Do I Have To Speak In Tongues?

Do I have to speak in tongues? Some people ask this question as they concern themselves with what other people are going to think of them. They worry about how people will see them if they do something beyond normal prayer. 

Now, i’m going to say something that might seem shocking to you. I really don’t believe prayer has any power. Muslims pray 5 times a day.  Hindus pray constantly. Buddhist are known for their long hours of prayer. And yet they miss the most important spiritual connection; the connection with Father God, through His Son Jesus Christ. That connection is the one that empowers us as we receive The Holy Spirit. 

Receiving the Holy Spirit opens us up to a whole new language. It’s a special prayer language. So, the question is not “do I have to speak in tongues?” The question is, “do I get to speak in tongues?” 

“Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:39-40‬ ‭ 

The Early Church Practiced Tongues, Because Jesus Prophesied Tongues. 

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded,”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:44-46‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

“And when Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:6‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

All of this happed to fulfill what Jesus said: 

“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:4-5‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

The principles of the New Testament are based in the understanding that believers are filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, we desire to pursue the gifts the Father gives. We do this with concerning ourselves with how that will look to the rest of the world. 

There are two important distinctions to make when it comes to our Spiritual Language. There is a private practice and a public practice.  

The private practice of tongues manifest a prayer language that only heaven understands. This is called “ the heavenly language.” 

• The enemy (flesh, world system, and Satan) can’t understand it. You’re flesh wonders “what in the world is going on!?” This world can’t understand why your life is working so well by you dong this “strange thing.” Satan can stop you or understand you. 
• God (The Father, The Son , and the Holy Spirit) build you up as you speak. 

The public practice of tongues leads is an evangelistic witness to the rest of the world. When you speak in tongues that can be interpreted, unchurched people have their lives transformed.