gift of tongues
Tonight at church we we discussed this passage on the gift of tongues. It was great!
Before I discuss about the sermon here is some background info... I believe the gift of tongues is not speaking in some weird made up language of babel. Instead I believe it is the ability of God to communicate through you in real foreign human languages (thank you Camp Buckner!). (1 Corinthians 12:10- various types of tongues for building up the church).
Now, the passage i have highlighted talks more about the importance of tongues and prophecy (not necessarly predicting the future, but God speaking through you). The two go hand in hand. Pauls makes the point that without prophecy, tongues does nothing to build up the church. Verse 22 declares that tongues is a sign for unbelievers. However, when a person comes to church and notices people speaking in tongues with no one to interpret (prophecy), the unbeliever thinks the church members are crazy and weird. However, with an interpreter the unbeliever is "convicted by all" (verse 24). People need to to hear gospel to believe and understand, outwise our actions are useless.
How does this apply to you and me? I can honestly say I have never heard anyone speak in tongues, so how does this passage apply to my life? Well, the point is people cannot believe in the gospel without hearing the good news..prophecy! Often times it is easy to think that you are leading people simply through your actions (which you are, God uses it, and you should continue to!), but people also must HEAR it. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from HEARING, and hearing through the word of Christ." People can contribute your actions and joy to other things in life instead of the joy and love that comes from believing in Christ. For example, Bob is so helpful and friendly to everyone, he must want a raise. In the same way when we go out and help the community our good deeds must be accompanied through sharing the gospel.
I pray that I will constantly remember this, especially when I venture to Madrid in a few weeks! :O)
Before I discuss about the sermon here is some background info... I believe the gift of tongues is not speaking in some weird made up language of babel. Instead I believe it is the ability of God to communicate through you in real foreign human languages (thank you Camp Buckner!). (1 Corinthians 12:10- various types of tongues for building up the church).
Now, the passage i have highlighted talks more about the importance of tongues and prophecy (not necessarly predicting the future, but God speaking through you). The two go hand in hand. Pauls makes the point that without prophecy, tongues does nothing to build up the church. Verse 22 declares that tongues is a sign for unbelievers. However, when a person comes to church and notices people speaking in tongues with no one to interpret (prophecy), the unbeliever thinks the church members are crazy and weird. However, with an interpreter the unbeliever is "convicted by all" (verse 24). People need to to hear gospel to believe and understand, outwise our actions are useless.
How does this apply to you and me? I can honestly say I have never heard anyone speak in tongues, so how does this passage apply to my life? Well, the point is people cannot believe in the gospel without hearing the good news..prophecy! Often times it is easy to think that you are leading people simply through your actions (which you are, God uses it, and you should continue to!), but people also must HEAR it. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from HEARING, and hearing through the word of Christ." People can contribute your actions and joy to other things in life instead of the joy and love that comes from believing in Christ. For example, Bob is so helpful and friendly to everyone, he must want a raise. In the same way when we go out and help the community our good deeds must be accompanied through sharing the gospel.
I pray that I will constantly remember this, especially when I venture to Madrid in a few weeks! :O)
