Lies Religious Tradition Taught Us: Speaking in Tongues is of the devil.

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.                 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV 

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been in a study examining the lies religious tradition has taught us. Concepts taught so often and with such conviction that it almost seems blasphemous to dare question them. Ideas that have built up strongholds in our minds. 

 So far we've exposed the lies that say God is the author of sickness and disease. That God is the creator of disasters. That God is ordaining evil in your life to bring about good. That God is for your poverty and to live in insufficiency. 

 Today, it seems good to build upon the foundation we laid in our last post. Coupled with the religious lie that claims there is no such experience as the Baptism in the Spirit, it is the lie that says speaking with tongues today is of the devil. The idea that those who speak with tongues today are somehow deceived and under the influence of demons.

 This insidious lie has its roots in the lie that all the Gifts of the Spirit somehow ceased when the last Apostle died. We have exposed this lie in an entire study here. When you believe the lie that God took His Gifts back from the Church you will be open to religious traditional concepts born in the imagination of unbelieving religious men.

 The only source for absolute truth for the Church is God's Word. God revealed His plans and purposes for the Body of Christ in the Good Book. If we just read the Word in context, free from religious tradition we'd see more triumphant victory in the Church as a whole. 

 So using God's Word, we cannot find any place where speaking with tongues is attributed to anything but the Holy Ghost. 
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:44-46 NKJV

 So the Spirit came upon these new believers. They spoke with tongues magnifying God. So a spiritual utterance that magnifies God is somehow today of the devil? This is the height of religious traditional arrogant unbelief. 

 I heard an encounter a great minister had with a religious tradition-bound believer. He was in a coffee shop and he saw the traditional guy reading a bible and he simply asked what he was studying and then the minister directed the conversation into telling him of the great things happening at his church. He spoke of an older woman who was healed of deafness. No response. He spoke of revival, in that many were saved and getting stirred for the things of God. 

 The fellow mentions that in the last times seducing spirits would arise. The minister went on to speak of how families were being restored and all those impacted were going out winning the lost. Again the fellow mentions seducing spirits in the last days. Finally, the minister bluntly asked him are you insinuating that people being healed, getting saved and reading the Word more and more, families being restored and made whole, and people being reached with the saving power of Christ is of the devil? The religious fellow affirmed firmly yes. This minister holding his peace just told the fellow plainly, your devil and his power of deception is greater than your Jesus and His power. 

 This is sad but so true in many quarters of the Body of Christ. Deception, the power of the enemy seems so great and the power of Jesus is impotent and weak. When tradition regulates the power of God only until the last Apostle died and the Bible was written, any power manifest in the Church must be of the enemy or charlatans seeking to fleece the flock of their finances. 

 With the badge of skepticism and the exalted place of "honor" unbelief has in most churches it is a wonder God can do anything in their midst. God in His love and great mercy still moves as the Church allows. So then is the supernatural prayer language, tongues, then somehow of the devil today? Of course not!

 As we've seen, speaking with Tongues magnifies God. In Acts 2 we see both heavenly Tongues and earthly Tongues manifest. The people testify they heard them proclaiming the wonderful works of God. The devil won't cause anyone to proclaim God's goodness. 

 Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14 that tongues are a prayer language, that our spirit is praying. Our spirit man, not some demon. The enemy is not causing God's people to pray. Traditional religion has some of the most outlandish claims. For final proof let's revisit Jesus' words.

We see Jesus speak of receiving the Spirit in Luke 11. Note what He said. If you ask for bread, a good father wouldn't give you a stone. In other words, if you ask of God for something, you won't get a curse. So, asking for the Spirit and the accompanying prayer language you won't get a demon. We've addressed the great benefits of Tongues in previous studies, here and here. 

 God is a Good God. He is a supernatural God. He is a God of power and might. His power hasn't waned or weakened. His power and Gifts haven't become impotent or ceased. His power is for the hungry, those who desire what He desires. To see a hurting and hopeless World find hope, healing, and wholeness in Christ, by and through His Spirit. 

 In summation, all of God's Gifts of power and ministry are still active and in effect today. No, God's Gifts today are not the work of demons in action. Relinquish fear and anxiety and receive all God has for you. Jesus promised when you ask God for His Spirit you will receive. No fear of demons and the work of the enemy. Staying with the Word in context, rightly dividing the New Covenant and Old, will shield any believer from any form of deception and error. God is the triumphant victor and we partake of this victory, greater is He that is in us than he that in this world. 
image by J F from Pixabay 

Lies Religious Tradition Taught Us: There is no such experience as the Baptism In the Holy Ghost

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV 

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been an ongoing study looking at the lies the religious tradition of men have taught the Church. Ideas, concepts, and views that seem to be so right that it almost seems blasphemous to question them. Teachings that have been heard for so long they have formed and fashioned strongholds in the minds of many.

 We want to take the Scriptures and pull down these strongholds. So far we've exposed the insidious lies that God makes people sick or disease-ridden. That He is the creator of storms and disasters. That He is ordaining all things for our good, that He desires our poverty and to live in insufficiency and lack. 

 Today, I want to expose an age-old lie from traditional religious mindsets. This idea that there exists no such experience as the Baptism in the Spirit. If you've been with this blog for some time you may recall we've studied the Baptism in the Spirit in light of Grace. Today, we are going to go further and expose this lie that there is no "subsequent experience" after initial salvation. 

 In the Gospels, we see the first mention of the Baptism in the Spirit. Then in the book of Acts Jesus, Himself speaks of this Baptism in the Spirit. So this begs the question, what is the Baptism in the Spirit? Is it another name for the salvation experience? 

 No, it is not just another name expressing salvation. For how do we explain this passage?
21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 NKJV

 If the Holy Spirit was not given until Pentecost what happened here? Was Jesus merely saying, "hey when the Spirit comes be welcoming and hospitable to Him"? No, Jesus breathed on them. What does that remind you of? Genesis! When God made Adam He breathed upon him and life came. These disciples were born again at this moment. Jesus had died and rose again and therefore New Covenant salvation was made available to all who would receive. 

 So, with this understanding, what did Jesus tell the Apostles in Acts 1? Did He say wait in Jerusalem to be born again? Wait in Jerusalem until you be converted? Wait in Jerusalem until you get saved? No, He said to wait for the promised Holy Ghost, wait for the promise He had spoken of. 

 If the disciples and Apostles needed to wait for conversion, then we have another problem. How will any future generation know for certain they too were saved when they believed? There was no rushing mighty wind, no cloven tongues of fire. Nothing spectacular. No, this event was the first time the Spirit came and filled God's people to the overflow. 

There is no such subsequent experience as the Baptism in the Spirit? Then how do we explain these passages?
6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:6,12 NKJV
 So we see here, the Gospel preached, Jesus and His great Grace is shared, the result? The masses are born again and baptized in water. So according to tradition, we get all there is at initial salvation, no subsequent experience, no filling with the Spirit. No Baptism in the Spirit, no need to receive the Spirit. Let's keep reading.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NKJV 
 Wait, why did they need the Apostles to come to lay hands on them to receive the Spirit? I thought we got it all at initial salvation? I have seen explanations used to excuse away what was clear and obvious that these believers were saved already and had the Spirit within but the Apostles came to pray they receive the Spirit upon.

 Some religious leaders say because the Samarians had an unfriendly relationship historically with the Jews they needed the Apostles to come and lay hands to receive the Spirit. Wait, wasn't Philip a Jew? He already won the hearts of the people. He was one of the seven chosen in Acts 6. So this explanation falls short. Again, this opens up doubt that some today may not genuinely be born again, no Apostle laid hands on them, 

 Let's look at Paul. Surely he who wrote 2/3rds of the New Testament would know what salvation entails. 
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”                Acts 19:1-2 NKJV
 Paul, come on brother, don't you know you get it all at initial conversion? Why did Paul even ask this then? Didn't he know the truth of it all comes at once? 

 The obvious conclusion we must reach with these two passages is that there is, in fact, a subsequent experience called the Baptism in the Spirit. Still unconvinced? Let's look at Paul's conversion experience. Paul acknowledges the Lordship of Christ, lost people don't do that. Let's continue reading.
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17
 Why does Ananias need to lay hands on Paul for him to be filled with the Spirit? Again I thought we got it all at initial salvation?
When we lay aside bias, preconceived notions, traditions of men, and personal experience and just read the Scriptures we are opened to a whole realm of relationship with God that is so freeing and fulfilling. 

 If one was never exposed to traditional religion and just read the New Covenant, they'd come away believing God is good all the time. That healing is for all, and God isn't the author of evil. That the infilling of the Spirit is a valid experience for all, and the Gifts of the Spirit are for today. 

 I am certain some reading may be objecting on the basis of the New Covenant and the fact that we are complete in Christ when we are saved. I have addressed this concern in an entire study here. 

 What is this Baptism in the Spirit? The Baptism in the Spirit is when Jesus immerses the believer into the Spirit for the purpose of empowerment for works of service. These works are for the advancement of the kingdom. To further the Gospel message with power and demonstration. 

 Look at Peter, when Jesus was led away to be crucified, he denied Christ three times. He couldn't even name the name of Jesus to a little maid warming herself by the fire. The fear of Roman persecution and death was greater than his faith in Jesus. Yet, after Peter's conversion and being filled with the Spirit, he proclaimed Jesus in front of thousands and saw many believe. Bold, demonstrative Faith was his testimony.

 In summation, relinquish the lies of the traditions of men. Men make excuses for their lack of spiritual power and timidness in the eyes of this fallen world. They demote Faith and spiritual power and exalt unbelief and skepticism. If they can explain away the Baptism in the Spirit, and the Gifts of the Spirit, they can excuse away their powerless proclamation of Christ. Don't align with tradition, align with all God has for you and receive His present power in your life. 
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Good News vs fake news: God takes back His gifts?

15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed—it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; 1 Corinthians 15:1 TLB

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been in an extended study contrasting the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Good News of God's Amazing Grace, with the fake news of religious tradition. As we've established, people are not our enemy. This is absolutely essential to keep in mind as we examine the traditions of men. 

Sharp Divides

 As we begin to uncover yet other areas of traditional religion, I thought it best to begin by making an honest, sincere assessment of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It may be uncomfortable to hear, but it's true nonetheless. The Church is sharply divided concerning certain theological points. 

 Here are the major areas of disagreement. Methods of water baptism. Do we sprinkle? Do we immerse? Do we baptize in Jesus name only? Whole church denominations are created on this division. The biggest theological divide is the Calvinism vs Arminianism debate. Whole denominations and seminaries are founded on one or the other. 

 I'm sure some would wonder where I stand on that debate. My view is easy, I disagree with both schools of thought because they are performance-based and not Grace based.  One of the other great divides is the issue of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Are they active today or have they ceased? 

Let's frame this debate another way. Does God give gifts then rescind them? I believe we should let the Word of God be the final authority. There is no passage in Scripture that states these Gifts have ceased. There also is certainly no passage that suggests any of the Gifts of the Spirit operated in modern times are the work of satan or demonic influence. 

Now, why am I so confident about this? Because of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 NKJV

 God is a giver. He isn't taking away what He gave to equip the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to walk in power. 

4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 1 Corinthians 2:4 NASB

 God's Spirit has continued in power and in demonstration throughout the Church age. 

 As a word of wise counsel, we must be mindful that flowing in the Gifts of the Spirit is not necessarily a sign of maturity, and definitely doesn't make one a superior Christian. In other words, we should never be looking down at others. Instead, we should always be looking upward at Jesus, the source, and supply of all good things.

 As a believer, do you desire to flow in these gifts? Simply ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Receive it and then begin to flow with God, asking for His wisdom in exercising these Gifts. As you flow with God, you soon discover love and compassion are the true motives for flowing in the Gifts. You also seek to make Jesus name renowned and never your own. 

 Allow me to share a testimony as it will open it up to an area I sense the Lord really desires to minister. Some friends of mine, A husband, and wife had a wonderful ministry of sharing this beautiful Gospel of Grace. Through challenges and surely the opposition of the enemy (he hates Grace), it seemed this door of ministry was closed for them. 

 As I was communicating with them the Spirit of the Lord began flowing through me in the gift of prophecy and word of knowledge. Words of edification, and exhortation were given to them. I began sharing specific words that were for them personally. God wasn't done with them and His gift and calling hadn't changed no matter the opposition. needless to say, this blessed and strengthened them. In fact, they had been discussing the work of the ministry among themselves. 

 See how beneficial these Gifts are? Now, this leads me to this point. No matter what, the gifts, the calling, the purpose God has for you has not changed or ceased. 

29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. Romans 11:29 NLT

 Tradition for too long has told believers that because of their sins, their disobedience or unfaithfulness, His calling or giftings will be taken away. Some have been told if you don't use the gift, God will take it away. That is a lie. God's gifts are irrevocable.

 Even if years have passed and it looks like nothing has changed, know He never takes back what He gave. No matter how long it's been, no matter if it looks like there are no opportunities, rest knowing His plans and purposes, and giftings and call are never withdrawn. God thought enough of you to invest in you and He knows you're worth it. 

 Don't allow tradition to keep robbing you. Even if you've failed, God isn't finished with you yet. His plans and purposes are unchangeable. Look again at what He called you to. Don't quit. Your gift is an asset to the Body of Christ. There is someone who needs what you have to give. There is a smile, a hug, a kind uplifting word that only you can share. Don't listen to the enemy saying you're unworthy. You're the righteousness of God in Christ. 

 Yes, we as the Church are sharply divided concerning some theological points. As true as this is, we as the Body of Christ are so much more than that. We have Jesus as our Savior and His Spirit living and abiding in us. We are the recipients of His great Grace. We are a Family, the Family of God.

 In summation, know that His Spirit is still moving in power today. Know His goodness hasn't ceased. He wants to show Himself strong to His Church, not just a selective few. His power and Gifts are available to as many as will simply ask in faith believing.

 Know also that God has not forgotten you. His plans for you have not ceased. He who started the work in you will be faithful to complete it. His plans and purposes for you are unchanging. His Grace is greater than any sin. He is the restorer of broken dreams, shattered hopes and, desires dashed. You're engraved in the palm of His hands and what He promised will surely come to pass. He is faithful.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Gifts of Grace

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 1 Corinthians 12:1 NRSV

 I sense the leading to conclude our study of the Holy Spirit by briefly examining His Grace Gifts of the Spirit. In doing so I hope to answer questions some may have. I also hope to bring clarity and good news that brings joy, freedom and refreshing in our walk with our good Father.

What Does It Really Matter?

 What is so important about studying the Holy Spirit? What is the big deal about studying speaking in tongues? Why take the time to look at the Gifts of the Spirit? The answer to these questions is really quite simple. God gave us His Spirit as the seal and guarantee of our salvation. His Spirit is within us, and it would behoove us to get to know Him. He thought it best to bestow upon the Church the Gifts and ministry of the Spirit, so we should understand how to operate in the Spirit. Finally, He declared in His Word that He doesn't want us ignorant or uninformed concerning the Gifts of the Spirit.

 Now some may say these Gifts of the Spirit are not for today. I am sorry but you can't substantiate this claim with Scripture. There exists no passage that proclaims this to be true. I have addressed this issue more deeply in a previous post. As sincere believers, we adhere to sola scriptura. That is the Word is the sole basis for doctrine and truth. 

  I stay with God's Word as the final authority. Not traditions, nor denominational creeds or spiritual movements. I stay with God's Word no matter if it cuts cross grain to the way I was raised. If the Word substantiates it I believe it. For instance, many "Charismatic" or Pentecostal Christians, (those proclaiming that signs and wonders and the Gifts of the Spirit are active and available for all Christians today), won't accept the truth of eternal security. I don't agree with Pentecostals on this issue because the Word is the final authority, it proves beyond doubt believers are eternally secure. They reject once saved always saved theology. I can't because I stay with God's Word.

The Gifts of the Spirit

 Let's briefly examine the gifts of the Spirit. In doing so we will also allay some myths about these gifts. Paul lays out these Gifts of Grace in 1 Corinthians 12. The Gifts of the Spirit can be divided into three categories. The revelation gifts, the power gifts, and the inspirational gifts. More simply, 3 that see or reveal something, 3 that do something, and 3 that say something.

The revelation gifts are the Word of Wisdom, the Word of knowledge and the Discerning of spirits. Let me say first what these gifts are not. It is not the gift of wisdom. Any believer can ask in faith and receive His wisdom. It is not the gift of knowledge or the gift of a special ability to study well.

 The Word of Wisdom is a revelation by the Spirit concerning a purpose or plan in God's will. With this gift, God reveals the future. The Word of Knowledge is a revelation of facts concerning people, places or things in the past or present. When praying for the sick many times this gift manifests. I recall being on a crowded bus in southern California. I saw a passenger and the Lord by the Word of Knowledge revealed he had Aids. A different passenger who was a Christian spoke to him and he revealed verbally he had Aids. She tried to pray with him and he didn't seem to desire prayer. How could I possibly have known this fact before he verbally confirmed it? This is the Word of Knowledge in action.

 The third gift is the Discerning of spirits. This is not the gift of suspicion, which is how this "gift" usually manifests. Judgmental and envious Christians will "discern" the "spirit" motivating another believer. They are quick to accuse and condemn and justify it with this gift. God is good and not the accuser. This simple gift is the Discerning of spirits. It is actually seeing into the spiritual realm. It is rare but sometimes believers may see an Angel. In 2 Kings, Elisha's servant was given the momentary ability to see the angels protecting them. Some have had visions and visitations of Jesus. That is this gift in operation. We should never ask or seek a vision or some experience. We have His indwelling Spirit and Word to comfort and guide us.

 The power gifts are the Gift of Faith, the Working of Miracles and the Gifts of Healing. It is better described as wonder-working faith. All believers have faith. We grow our faith by feeding on His Word. This special faith is a gift imparted as the Spirit wills. Supernatural provision or deliverance occurs with this gift. Jesus feeding the multitudes or Daniel being delivered from the lion's den is an example of this gift.

 The Working of Miracles is a gift whereby the natural course of events ceases for the glory of God. Jesus stilling a storm is a perfect example of this. Believers united have prayed against destructive hurricanes or tornadoes and they've dissipated or turned away. 

 The Gifts of Healing is not the gift of dispensing medicine or scientific medical breakthroughs. It is God's supernatural healing power manifested in the bodies of the afflicted. Truly any Christian can lay hands on the sick and see healing. This gift is more often evangelistic and on a mass scale. It demonstrates God's goodness and love to the masses.

 The inspirational gifts are the Gift of Prophecy, Divers kinds of Tongues and the Interpretation of tongues. Prophecy isn't the gift of preaching or teaching. It is merely an inspired utterance in a known language. Paul laid out the specific purpose of prophecy. It is to build up, to stir up and cheer up. It is not to proclaim doom and gloom. It is never a believer proclaiming disaster and destruction to sinful cities or nations. Jesus bore all the punishment for sins.

 Divers kinds of Tongues is an inspired utterance in an unknown language. It is God speaking to man. The Interpretation of Tongues is the ability to interpret what was uttered in another tongue.

 These Gifts of Grace were given to the Church to equip us to win the World for Christ. It was bestowed upon us to build us up and encourage us in our relationship with God. God in His goodness wanted a divine means to inspire and bring joy to the Church. 

 Who can operate or flow in these Gifts of Grace? Any Christian. If you're a Spirit-filled born again child of God you're qualified. He qualifies us. Don't we need to be sin free and perfect to operate in the miraculous? 

 Tradition teaches us that we need to be almost perfect before we can pray for someone. Many times we see someone in a store or a street corner that could really use our prayers. Yet, we allow intimidation and fear to rob us of the opportunity. We don't think our prayers will work. We know we haven't been living the best. Maybe we can get our Pastor to pray for them. 

 Reject that mindset. These Gifts are the Gifts of Grace. Jesus completes us. His Finished Work qualifies us. It's Him and Him alone doing the work, not ourselves. We are righteous and He always hears our prayers. 

 What about the stuff on Television? I'd have to visibly see a specific broadcast to know if something was fabricated or real. In honesty, just because something is spectacular doesn't nullify it. Also, just because something appears real doesn't mean it is. Trust the leading of the Spirit and look to the fruit of a ministry to validate it. 

 In summation, the Spirit of God is the Spirit of Grace. He has our best at heart. We can have a fruitful and joyous relationship with the third person of the Godhead. Our good God desires intimacy and relationship with each of His children. He qualifies us, He accepts us and rejoices over us. You're accepted into the beloved, enter into a deeper intimate relationship with your Father. He welcomes you and loves you deeply and eternally.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Graceful Tongues: Praying Powerful Prayers in the Spirit

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God’s people. Ephesians 6:18 NCV





  In the recent weeks, we've been engaged in a study of the precious Holy Spirit. We have seen the true meaning of spiritual hunger. We've seen the importance of His active ministry in our heart and lives. We've extensively studied the Baptism in the Spirit and the accompanying prayer language available to all believers activated by Grace through faith.

 I sense strongly to continue studying the Spirit and His Gifts of Grace to the Church, Christ's Body. Some of the tradition-minded have sought to "bring me down from the wall" to engage in debate or to justify the time and attention given to this subject. I simply rest in Him and His truth and follow His leading. He thought expedient and of much importance to bestow upon His Church these gifts and manifestations. Any complaints should be directed to Father God, His Son the head of the Church, and the Spirit of God who manifests these Gifts to encourage and inspire and energize the Church.

 Today, I sense the leading to reveal some more aspects of this Grace gift of praying in the Spirit. We can pray powerful prayers that change events and turn things around for good and the glory of God. First, though, we need to remove the common excesses associated with praying in the Spirit that unfortunately at times arise. 

 Well-meaning and sincere believers can fall into excess or even error when it comes to flowing with God's Spirit. The Spirit isn't leading anyone to error, it is simply human intellect and emotions that lead us astray in this area. Let's examine these excesses so we can ensure they aren't operating in our lives. 
1. Warring tongues or Warfare tongues. This is the mistaken idea that when we pray in the Spirit we are engaging in some kind of hand to hand combat with satan or some demon. The problem is the Scriptures don't support this erroneous practice. Paul declared that when we pray in tongues we are speaking to God. If we are speaking to God, we aren't speaking to demons or any other entity.
2. Shouting or screaming in tongues. This is similar to the warring tongues excess. God isn't hard of hearing. We aren't exercising more authority or power by the volume of our praying.
3. Exercising foolishness in the presence of the unlearned. This is unprofitable behavior. Being over emotional and interrupting service or others praying brings confusion. People running around a building randomly placing their hands on people and screaming in tongues isn't God moving, it is emotions on display. If people are unlearned in the Charismata or Gifts of the Spirit it is best to pray quietly to oneself if the need arises to pray in the Spirit.
4. Drawing unnecessary attention to oneself. This goes hand in hand with number 3. Being disruptive, seeking the "spotlight", looking to prove your superior spirituality isn't edifying. The attention should always be on Jesus not on us.

 Now that we have addressed the excesses let's examine the genuine. We've already seen the many benefits of praying in the Spirit. Now I want to share how Spirit-directed prayer allows us to flow with God and exercise His will in circumstances for His glory and for the best. We can cooperate with God in our prayer life.

 Paul declared in Romans 8 that we don't always know what to pray but the Spirit helps us. Intercessory prayer, that is interceding on behalf of others, is one of the primary roles of Spirit-directed prayer in the Spirit. I have heard countless testimonies of believers who's lives were spared or rescued because someone was suddenly urged by the Spirit to pray. We don't always know what we are praying for in the Spirit. Sometimes we are praying for favor, deliverance, provision or healing for God's people somewhere on this planet.

 I will share a wonderful testimony of God's love and goodness in this arena. Many, many years ago, I was serving in the military. I was out to sea and they were conducting flight operations. Often times some fellow believers and I would gather and spend what time we could in prayer and fellowship. This day a brother of mine in Christ and me were spending some time praying in other tongues. Straightaway an urgent sense to pray and intercede for healing overshadowed me. I relayed this to my friend and he sensed this in his spirit as well. 

 We began to quickly pray in tongues. We had no idea who we were praying for or who needed healing. We just followed God's leading. Suddenly, it came across the ship's intercom that a helicopter carrying three people had crashed and fallen into the ocean. A helicopter crash out at sea is no small matter. Thanks be to God, though, we had already prayed and interceded in the Spirit and they conducted an immediate recovery operation. All three people were discovered safe and unharmed. 

 This is why I stand so strongly for this beautiful Grace gift God has bestowed upon His church. Lives are spared and God's goodness can be clearly seen. I want to share another operation of prayer in the Spirit. I have already shared that there is no such thing as warring tongues or battling satan in tongues. Why is this?

 Well, the enemy has been totally defeated by the Finished Work of Christ. The only spiritual warfare we engage in is the enforcement of the enemy's defeat. God has given us the armor of God to accomplish this. 

 If you look at the armor of God, we only see one apparent offensive weapon. Why is this? Well because we aren't warring to defeat the enemy. Jesus sufficiently accomplished this in the Finished Work. 

 One thing I never noticed for years is the number of pieces of the armor. We have noted only 6 pieces of armor. The problem with this view is number one, it is not true in the actual context and secondly, 6 is the number of "man". This is why "spiritual warfare" seems so tiring and effort based. Tradition has us using our efforts and abilities in enforcing the enemy's defeat.

 In reality, there are actually 7 pieces of the armor of God. Seven is the number of God. It is His power and ability and authority we exercise in prayer and enforce the enemy's defeat. What is the 7th piece? 
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6:18 NKJV
Yes, praying in the Spirit, praying in tongues is the 7th piece of the armor of God. When we enforce satan's defeat we are exercising our authority in Christ and receiving divine deliverance and protection and provision.

 I have another testimony of this. I am not going to share some spectacular miracle, just something so simple to reveal just how loving and concerned Jesus is with our everyday life. We receive His protection and provision in all areas of our life.

 Many years ago, I had some vacation time scheduled. One was in the early part of the month of August and another in the latter part of September. I was planning on visiting my folks back home. I had decided and made plans to travel in September. One day while praying in the Spirit the Lord revealed to me that I should travel in August and not September. 

 Now I could have easily argued and tried to debate the Lord. "But, God, I already made plans for September." I didn't do it, though. I trusted Him and His peace confirmed this. I took my vacation and was able to see my grandmother who was in her 80s. I had a good time. Before September came, my grandmother passed. Had I waited until September I wouldn't have been able to see my grandmother one last time. This is how good He is. He protected me from any regret or grief. 

 Prayers in the Spirit can really turn things around for our good. This is why we should embrace this Gift of Grace. We aren't struggling or striving in prayer. Instead, we are entering into the rest and receiving refreshing. In our upcoming posts, we will examine the nine Gifts of the Spirit Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 12. We will answer questions like is that stuff on TV false or real?
You don't want to miss them.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Graceful Tongues: The Benefits of Praying in Other Tongues

                                                         

46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:46a NKJV

 We've been in an extended study of the Precious Holy Spirit, the third Person of the triune Godhead. As we've previously stated, no study of the Holy Ghost is complete without examining the Gifts and ministry of the Spirit. 

 In our last post, we addressed the many objections to praying in tongues, some hold fast to in their hearts and minds. Only by receiving wisdom and revelation from God's Word will these strongholds be removed. Today, I sense the strong leading to share with you the benefits of praying in the Spirit.

 Some have said, "I see no benefit in praying in a language I can't understand." I take notice that all of those making this statement have never actually spoken in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. There is no difference in this logic, then those in years gone by saying they see no benefit in traveling by airplane or by motor vehicles. Usually, those making these statements had only traveled by ship or by horse and carriage. 

 If you've never spoken in tongues, of course, you're not going to understand it nor intellectually see a benefit in the practice. The Word of God is clear, you can't see or understand the things of God intellectually or by the natural mind. I trust you're not natural minded and will readily receive the truth that will bless and strengthen your relationship with our good Father.

Graceful benefits of praying in the Spirit

 1. Tongues serve as evidence of one having received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6  all clearly reveal tongues as the evidence one has received this Baptism in the Spirit. Peter used this experience of the Baptism in the Spirit evidenced by speaking in other tongues as proof that God was granting salvation to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. 

2. Tongues act as a doorway to the supernatural, flowing in the gifts of the Spirit and operating in signs and wonders. 

 Mark 16 reveals Jesus' plan for the ministry of the Church to operate in signs and wonders. He includes speaking in tongues as one of these signs. Throughout the book of Acts, we see many miracles and mighty signs and wonders manifested by the Church. None of these began to happen until the believers had received the Baptism in the Spirit and spoken in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. 

3. Tongues serve as a reminder of the indwelling presence of God. It helps us be more God inside minded. 

 Jesus declared the Spirit will be upon us and shall be in us. Becoming God inside minded makes us more aware of His presence within. We won't be overcome by feelings of loss, abandonment or loneliness when we realize that He is always with us.

4. When we pray in tongues we are praying divine secrets or praying mysteries.

 Paul revealed this wonderful benefit in his Epistle to the Corinthians. This word translated mysteries in the Greek reveals some powerful truths. In the Greek, it means a hidden thing or secret thing not obvious to the understanding. It's hidden counsel or purpose. It's hidden counsels concealed to the ungodly and World but made plain to the righteous. We tap into these hidden counsels by praying in the Spirit. 

5. When we pray in the Spirit we are praying the wisdom of God. The wisdom of God is revealed to us when we pray in the Spirit. We receive wisdom, revelation, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. 

 Paul reveals this wonderful benefit in 1 Corinthians 2. Speaking words the Spirit gives is praying in the Spirit. When we spend time praying in the Spirit we are tapping into God's wisdom. We are able to receive insight, direction, and guidance from the Spirit when we pray in the Spirit. 
6. Praying in the Spirit enables us to bypass our natural mind and our own thoughts and agendas or ideas and pray God's plan.
 It is clear from Paul's Epistle when we pray in the Spirit our understanding is unfruitful. In other words, tongues eliminate the potential selfish or self-seeking motives in prayer.
7. When we pray in the Spirit we are praying God's best and perfect will. We don't always know what to pray or how to pray in a given situation but He does.
 Romans 8 reminds us we don't always know what to pray in some situations. Thank the Lord we can rely on His Spirit praying through us.
8. When we pray in the Spirit we are receiving spiritual refreshing.
 Isaiah prophesied of the refreshing that praying in the Spirit brings. Feeling "burned out"? Pray in the Spirit.
9. When we pray in the Spirit we enter into the rest.
 Again Isaiah prophesied of the rest and refreshing brought forth by praying in the Spirit. Feeling weary? Pray in the Spirit and enter into God's rest.
10.When we pray in the Spirit we are stimulating our faith or trust in God.
 Jude reveals by praying in the Spirit we stimulate our faith in God. This intimate prayer reminds us we can rest in His all the time goodness. We can put our full confidence and trust in Him.
11. When we pray in the Spirit we are recharging our whole spirit soul and body. 
 Paul teaches when we pray in tongues we edify ourselves. This word "edifies" in the original Greek means to build up, to repair, to restore. It also connotes the idea of promoting growth in wisdom, Grace, and blessedness. It is equivalent to recharging a battery. We are energized, recharged in our total being by praying in the Spirit.
12. Praying in the Spirit offers us a powerful way to offer praise and worship to the Lord.
 Paul's instruction reveals we can pray in the Spirit as well as sing in the Spirit. Praise and worship in the Spirit bring our devotion to a much higher level. Tradition mistakenly assigns the definition of singing in the Spirit as singing with just a little more energy, gusto, and vigor. The Scripture is clear singing in the Spirit is to sing in tongues. Paul references singing spiritual songs and hymns and making melody in our heart towards the Lord.
13. Praying in the Spirit enables us to give thanks well. 
 As Paul teaches about proper exercise of praying in tongues amongst the unlearned, he reveals a great truth. Prayer in the Spirit enables us to give thanks well. Our worship is taken to a higher dimension with tongues. 
14. Praying in the Spirit magnifies God. 
 The book of Acts reveals to us when we pray in tongues we magnify God. We know God doesn't actually become physically larger. It just means He becomes bigger to us. His love, His wisdom and guidance and Word become bigger within us than whatever we are facing. In our worship and devotion, we magnify Him. We're able to offer our good Father praise and worship and thanksgiving in the Spirit.
15. Tongues are God's plan and will for all believers. Mark's Gospel reveal the words of Jesus. This is His best and will for all His Church. Tongues? Blame Jesus! Paul's Epistle echoes the same sentiment. It's always been the Father's highest and best for His Church to operate in the power of God. When we receive this free gift we are fulfilling His plan and desire for the Church. This is not to say God is disappointed or looks down on those who have yet to receive. The Finished Work is what completes our identity, not any Spiritual gift.

 Here we have fifteen Scriptural benefits of praying in tongues. This Grace gift is made available to all who will simply respond. Praying in the Spirit will build you up, and stir you up and cheer you up. Freely receive this wonderful gift in Jesus name. 
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net