Chapter 1 - Why the Debate?

INTRODUCTION

According to Henderson, “many believers consider the gift of tongues to be obsolete and archaic.” Why do you think many believers today reject the gift of tongues?

Henderson states his beliefs on the gift of tongues as follows: “I would assert that operating in the gift of tongues holds great advantage for us, and that it is even necessary to living a full life of satisfaction and effectiveness.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

According to Henderson, what are tongues?

Henderson uses Mark 16:17 to argue that tongues are one of the signs that should follow believers. Then he states, “Believers who have been born again are supposed to be able to manifest and demonstrate the supernatural power of God.” Does Henderson feel like this is a common experience for believers today? Do you agree or disagree with his opinion?

Henderson uses Isaiah 8:18 and Hebrews 2:11-13 to argue that believers should demonstrate signs and wonders. Then he states, “We are here to demonstrate the Kingdom of God in the earth as believers marked with the supernatural of God.” His point is that tongues is one way that believers are marked with the supernatural of God. What are some other ways that we should be demonstrating the supernatural power of God?

MANIFESTING THE KINGDOM

Henderson uses 1 Corinthians 4:20 to drive home the point that the Gospel should be evidence by, not just words, but power. Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Does this passage support Henderson’s point?

According to 2 Timothy 3:5, how are we to respond to people who deny the power of God?

According to Henderson, is the gift of tongues obtained naturally or supernaturally? Do you agree?

HENDERSON’S EXPERIENCE WITH TONGUES

Henderson states that at the age of 12, he wanted to speak in tongues and tried to do it on his own, but he couldn’t do it. What does this say about those who try to teach or use various types of techniques to lead people to speak in tongues? Is that the biblical model on how the gift of tongues is recieved?

Concerning the gift of tongues, Henderson states, “I would say irrevocably that this gift of tongues has been as big a blessing in my life as anything else I have ever encountered.” That is a very strong statement. He does not give us any explanation here, but what might be some reasons why he would feel this way?

TONGUES OF MEN AND ANGELS

Henderson uses 1 Corinthians 13:1 to argue that tongues can either be unlearned human languages or heavenly (angelic) languages. Is there an example in the Bible of believers speaking in tongues that were unlearned human languages? If so, where and what were they speaking? What does that say about one of the primary purposes of tongues?

Henderson states, “Many people who experience the gift of tongues recount that it is as if their natural language is insufficient to express the deepest cry of their heart to the Lord.” Read Romans 8:26. Does this verse support his statement?

Henderson uses Mathew 6:9-10 to make a point about angelic tongues and the atmosphere of heaven invading earth. Then he makes this statement, “When we are empowered to pray in an angelic tongue, if it in fact brings the atmosphere of heaven into earth, this mandate is accomplished. A tongue that we share with the angels allows the atmosphere they create to become the atmosphere we encounter. What is the atmosphere of heaven and what might he mean by bringing the atmosphere of heaven to earth?

NO NEED FOR TONGUES?

Henderson says that he has encountered at least three objections to tongues and their operation in the church. What are these three objections?

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According to Henderson, what is the main reason why some people feel like there is no need for tongues today and that they have ceased? What scripture do they sometimes use to make this argument?

According to Henderson, when will tongues no longer be needed and will cease?

DEVILISH LANGUAGE?

Henderson uses Matthew 12:24 to demonstrate that people falsely accused Jesus of performing signs and wonders through the power of Satan. How does he apply this to the gift of tongues?

Henderson brings up the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in this context. Read the full section on this encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees in Matthew 12 and especially Matthew 12:31-32. Is someone who simply does not believe in tongues or other supernatural powers of God committing the sin of blasphemy? If not, when does it become blasphemy?

UNINTELLIGIBLE GIBBERISH?

Henderson states that some people make the argument that tongues are simply unintelligible gibberish because it offends their minds and/or intelligence. Why does he say that this is not a valid argument? Do you agree or disagree?

Henderson makes two interesting statements in this section that are related. First he says, “Just because something does not seem to impress us on earth does not mean it isn’t valid and good.” Then he says, “Just because this gift does not make sense to our natural man does not mean it isn’t of God.” How does he use 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 to support these arguments? Why should we reject the argument that tongues are not a valid experience for believers today simply because they do not make sense to our human intellect?