STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST

SERMON MENU SELECTIONS

2/23/2020 ~ Tongues

👅
  TonguesAM1.mp3 (21m 48s)


  Tongues.pptx

Darkness is one square shy of light.

... So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them:
"Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. ~ Genesis 8:22-9:1


Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. ~ Genesis 11:1

... "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in
the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, ... ~ Genesis 11:4


... its name is called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language
of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them ... ~ Genesis 11:9


God has a plan to redeem souls in His way and time.
Let us come together to clearly understand what the Lord
would have us to utter in His creation, in and among ourselves,
and back to Him in worship.


Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. ~ Proverbs 18:21


Judgment will come by what we live by, as to how we communicate with
each other, either in peace or hate, soft or harsh; the day will declare it.


... "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; .." ~ Mark 16:15-16


God Himself in the flesh has given commands of how to return to
His presence. Crucial is understanding His word, and how it applies
in His time and ways. In modern man’s haste, to exalt himself,
many misconceptions have come to transpire
misleading people into false precepts.


"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out
demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if
they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; ..." ~ Mark 16:17-18


Specifically, Jesus stated tongues would be spoken as a miraculous
event. Remember, God imposed the power to confuse the languages of
people when they were found to be disobedient, at the Tower of Babel.
Jesus is now declaring that there can be unity in Him
through faith past all the barriers created by man.


... they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ... ~ Acts 2:3-5


On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles
allowing them to speak in tongues. Multiple languages
of many nations were present in Jerusalem.


... "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear,
each in our own language in which we were born?" ~ Acts 2:6-8


Astoundingly, these chosen Apostles, Galileans, were able to utter,
in speech, language understood by all dialects. One spoken voice
understood in all languages. This was the power of tongues, and God’s
unleashing of understanding, under His new covenant of faith.
Clearly tongues were employed as a method to get awareness
across in a miraculous way. How it worked is still quite enigmatic
but certainly divinely conceived to unite the moment.


While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit
fell upon all those who heard the word. ... ~ Acts 10:44-45


Following events on hearing the word, The Holy Spirit came upon men,
clarifying that Gentiles, all peoples, were included in God’s invitation to
return to Him through the offering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
To enhance this understanding, miracles were performed to establish
beyond any, and all shadows of doubt, that this was in fact, the will of
God’s truth to be known for all time. The Holy Spirit decided when and
where it was appropriate to enact these miraculous divine interventions,
and it is not such a casual event that man can muster it up,
all on his own, as modern day charlatans propose.


For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. ... ~ Acts 10:46-48

As at Pentecost, blessings of miraculous powers, here also, fell upon
the Gentiles, confirming this message of unity in faith for all peoples.


"... receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We
have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." ... ~ Acts 19:2-3


As many times as various miracles occurred, only God knows, but
what has been revealed for us to know teaches us that He loves us.
His will is to wash us of all unrighteousness.


... And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. ~ Acts 19:4-6


Baptism for remission of sins, and subsequently, the receiving of the
gift of the Holy Spirit’s promise, is what was taught. As prophesized
by Jesus, Paul and God’s Apostles laid hands on those that would
find the astonishments of God’s own blessings and miracles.
The power of tongues cut through all barriers of language and
dialect confusion which had been previously placed among men.


... in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that
miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
~ 1st Corinthians 12:27-28


God’s hierarchy puts tongue's worth at the bottom
   Body of Christ
      ⮩  Members individually
            ⓵  First apostles
            ⓶  Second prophets
            ⓷  Third teachers
     ⮕  Miracles
     ⮕  Gifts of healings
                     ⮩  helps, administrations   
     ⮕  Varieties of tongues

On the hierarchical list of God’s appointed message, and truth’s
conveyance, tongues appear as one of the more minimal miracles. Of
more relevance would be the message shared among men, with healings
and genuine offerings of help. God employed tongues to jump start a
message of love that would extend to heaven itself. Truth without barriers.


... Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best
gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. ~ 1st Corinthians 12:29-31


It was foretold these various miracles would subside as they were meant
as a means to express, to all mankind, the eternal love God has for all the
life in His creation. Written on the bottom of all hearts is a natural nature
to return to love as the greatest desire. This is the vision of His image.
Unabused animals clearly reflect this ability to naturally love.
The more excellent way is to know God who is love.


Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ~ 1st Corinthians 13:1


And the Bible distinctly states without love, all else is vain.
We know if one does not know love, one does not know God,
and then perhaps God is just an abstraction in a bitter life.
Sorrowful for sure are those who have not the comfort love delivers.


... whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there
is knowledge, it will vanish away. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 13:8-10


Again, the Bible states miraculous tongues would cease, after the light of
God’s own truth established itself, independent of mans ability to destroy
it. In the simplicity that is man, most of what has been has been forgotten,
just today. In our siren filled society, how can it be that we really know
more than what God has proclaimed? The key to understanding
truth is to hear what has been written


... as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man,
I put away childish things. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 13:11-13


And His message continues, the more excellent way to find God,
through faith and hope with love as it remains. The greatest truth
maintains God’s simplicity over all below.


  TonguesAM2.mp3 (27m 56s)


... For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God,
for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 14:1-4


Tongues were a special perplexing event translating through all barriers
assisting in the work of God. Plainly stated, His message has much more
weight than tongues, in what God delivered to mankind, to know Him,
and His will for us to live by words given, united under Him.
Who can say which ancient languages are no longer heard or spoken.
God’s original single language was spectacular beyond measure.


... if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you
unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge,
by prophesying, or by teaching? ~ 1st Corinthians 14:5-6


It may have occurred that through tongues that one of the residual
benefits came in abilities to interpret across the various languages
of all nations. The word clearly states that tongues without
knowledge or revelation is useless.


... So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand,
how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:7-9


Certain is the truth that tongues without understanding is
useless in edifying one another. As babbling upon the air,
what use in edification would it hold if nonsensical?


... if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner
to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:10-11


God’s cathedral includes the languages of all
  Many languages in the world
      ⮡   None without significance  

The Bible acknowledges many languages in the world and that
misunderstanding is common. Since we are all removed from those
first century events, one can only conjecture as to the nature of tongues
and where they may have had limitations or not. Why would man want
to bring back what has already completed its’ intended purpose?
Candy churches lure suckers from all corners.


... Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:12-14


The Bible indicates repeatedly that tongues assisted in interpreting,
with divine understanding, through the various languages in the world.
Tongues in itself appears to have had little benefit for the individual,
rather the benefit came more to the recipient.


... What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and
I will also pray with the understanding. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:15-17


Quite frank is the call to have understanding over confusion.

... yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding,
that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:18-20


Tongues used without understanding has no value to teach and
or instruct. Babel was a lesson left for a previous time and God is
now instructing men to grow in understanding leaving behind
those childhood things that gave birth to His church.


... Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe
but to unbelievers; ... ~ 1st Corinthians 14:21-22


God prophesized He would use tongues to speak to all peoples
of the earth. It was for a time left past, where again, clearly stated,
it was a vehicle to instruct all unbelievers foreign to the intimate truths
of God, during those first century times. Miracles of any kind are more
than convincing, to draw one closer to believing. It is truly curious that
if tongues were a sign for unbelievers, how now in our times, supposed
believers need tongues to claim faith. These claims of speaking in
tongues is a feeble attempt to deceive the weak, foreign to God’s
own knowledge and truth. Do we exalt God or man? However,
teaching, unlike tongues, endures through all ages and
understanding is the premium God looks for us to have.
Claims to speak in tongues is a fools attempt to exalt self.


... if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with
tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will
they not say that you are out of your mind? ~ 1st Corinthians 14:23-24


Common understanding is the great equalizer
Whole church
⭩                  ⭨
all speak                      all       
with tongues             prophesy    
↕                             ↕
  Comes in uninformed or unbelievers  
↓                             ↓
    You are out         Convinced by all
   of your mind         Convicted by all

Tongues appear to have become somewhat of an amusement
without universal enduring purpose. After tongues inception, it came
to outgrow itself as more of an oddity than a means of edification
to build the faithful in His church. Education seems to have
become more the theme as the church matured.


... Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm,
has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation.
Let all things be done for edification. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:25-26


All is useless without words of understanding
Plain
Words

Teaching God’s word is what opens the heart, and not hoarding gifts
used to impress men among men. Yes, God spreads talents variously
throughout His creation. None of what He gives is intended to abuse or
use others He has chosen to love. Talents are meant to increase the
edification of us all, and they were never meant to be exclusively
reserved for the few. It is not about showing people how high we
have climbed, it is helping others on the climb we travel together.


... If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three,
each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter,
let him keep silent in church, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 14:27-29


As tongues were winding down, in God’s establishment of His church,
instructions not to use the gift without interpretation was given.


... For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,
as in all the churches of the saints. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:30-33


As God is not an author of confusion, so it is His will in His creation, that
we put a high precedence on understanding over any confusion. To obtain
the peace He desires in the hearts of all men, His plan must be followed
over the fantasies of man’s creation, which attempts to establish
superiority over that of God’s own announced commands. He
calls for clear common sense and wisdom without foolishness.


If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue
but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. ~ James 1:26


Self-control is essential when speaking, without wrath or seeking personal
praise, other than magnifying His glory and grace with a thankful heart.
Methodical thinking to assist everyone's edification has purpose without
measure. Many find the butterfly effect in the good a praising word
can spread. In this, the heights of heaven can be seen.


For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue
from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." ~ 1st Peter 3:10


The message is to love life and to purge all that would be evil maintaining
a pure conscience. Doubt sinks below all that would be tall. Now with
heaven in view, let us walk together to His tearless pastures.


Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that
you may know how you ought to answer each one. ~ Colossians 4:6


Without doubt, God calls us to have knowledge as a means of mature
communication. Reflective intelligence is a sign of a knowing heart.


True believers pursue His truth over man’s cons
Death and life is in the power of tongue
Tongues came as a means to spread God’s message
Pentecost initiated tongues crossing all dialects
The Spirit used tongues repeatedly to enforce truth
Tongues were to cease once truth became full
Truth is found through faith and hope in love
Superior to tongues is knowledge & teaching
Tongues in itself without understanding is valueless
Tongues were used to benefit the recipient
Tongues were a sign for unbelievers, not believers
Let all things be done for edification
God does not author confusion calling for calm
Speaking with thoughtfulness and care is His will

As a flower God’s kingdom
blooms upon all believers

Darkness blasts the sound of silence.




 

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