Tongues and Prophesy

Good morning everyone!!! I trust you have had a wonderful weekend and are filled with renewed spirit for the Lord Jesus Christ, our savior. Today will be the last of what Paul is saying here about prophesy and tongues. I hope you have learned as much as I.

1 Corinthians 14:22-25 "So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believes, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. Even so, if unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. But if all of you are prophesying and unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, 'God is truly here among you.'"

The way the Corinthians were speaking in tongues was helping no one because believes did not understand what was being said, and unbelievers thought that the people speaking in tongues were crazy. Speaking in tongues was supposed to be a sign to unbelievers (as in Acts 2) After speaking in tongues, believers were supposed to explain what was said and give the credit to God.

The unsaved people would then be convinced of a spiritual reality and motivated to look further into the Christian faith. While this is one way to reach unbelievers, Paul says that clear preaching is usually better. (14:5)

If you attend a traditional church and then go to a pentecostal church, hearing someone speak in tongues can be unsettling. However, test it by the word. Was there an interpreter there? Or was it just for the person? Which will edify God?? Which will edify the whole church??

Many denominations argue or things such as this. What is the bottom line? Jesus Christ and our belief in Him is the bottom line!! Do you truly believe?? Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny