Chapter 16: Myth—God Owns Solid Rock

Page 9

Myth—God Owns Solid Rock

“If I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be

to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?” 1 Cor. 14:6 NIV

Paul said: “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than

all of you.” 1 Cor. 14:18 NIV

“Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.” 1 Cor. 14:22

“So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of

your mind?” 1 Cor. 14:23

“Do not forbid speaking in tongues.” 1 Cor. 14:39

You can observe that speaking in tongues is very biblical even if many in the church do not understand it. Is this some kind of babble? It can certainly sound like that if you are in the flesh. However, this is a spiritual language and protocols exist for its use within the church. Look them up.

In our search for a church in Santa Barbara, we stopped at a small Four Square Church where we had a couple of very interesting experiences. First, my oldest daughter Paula felt it was time to make a public confession

of her faith. That was exciting. Secondly, on cue, the entire congregation all started speaking in tongues. That is, everyone except our family, as we did not understand what was going on. Like Paul said in 1 Cor. 14:23, we thought they were all out of their minds and we never went back.

While at Living Faith Center, I concluded that they had gotten Apostle Paul’s instructions on tongues correct. After returning to Minnesota, I also started to speak in tongues. The first time was while jogging and praying to

God for the gifts of His Spirit. Tongues came out of my mouth in a way that I felt I was choking or throwing up. However, it was just the gift of tongues.