Tongues of Fire

Acts 2:1–4 ESV

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Still for Today

7,100 Current KNOWN Languages

573 Extinct languages

Only one scripture out of context

1 Corinthians 13 “Tongues will cease…When that which is perfect has come”

Prayer tongues

1. You need to understand that there IS a Heavenly language

1 Corinthians 13:1 ESV

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2. This one is not for others, it is for the one praying

1 Corinthians 14:2 ESV

2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

3. Intercession according to the will of God

Romans 8:26–27 ESV

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 14:14 ESV

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.

Message Tongues

1. For the edification of the Church

2. To communicate directly to the church

1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

3. Rule for for message tongues

a. 2 or 3 max (1 Cor. 14:27)

Foreign Tongue

1. Ability to communicate the gospel across language barriers

Acts 2:5–8 ESV

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?

Why doesn’t the Bible teach more about Tongues?

It isn’t the main thing. Pentecostals have a heritage in certain groups making their faith all about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But it isn’t the main thing.

Over all…

It is empowerment for communication. Either between you and God, or with others concerning the word of God.