|
To Doggystyle: Why do you consider prosperity a doctirne that is "man first...or set to please or appease man's carnal sensibilities"?
To Sphinxpoet: I have a different understanding of speaking in tongues. My understanding is that there is a difference between the gift of tongues and speaking in tongues. An interpretation is needed for the gift of tongues, not speaking in tongues. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, is talking about the gift of tongues and how the Corinthians were confused between the two. The gift of tongues is only directed by the Holy Spirit...he turns the gift on and off. The Holy Spirit will not provide the gift of tongues w/out an interpretation. A gift from God is not for you, it's for other people. That's why Paul said it is not edifying to the congregation unless there is an interpretation. One can be crooked, have extreme character issues, and still have a gift from God. God is the only one that gets the glory for the gift He gave you because He is the one that turns it on and off.
Speaking in tongues is a personal communication with God and is different from the gift of tongues. One can speak in tongues anytime he/she wants to. The important thing to remember is that it's something personal between you and God. Therefore, the volume of your voice and how much saliva you spit has very little to do with it....it's a heart issue. Think about it, when you share something personal with someone you don't scream it aloud for everyone to hear...it's personal. No one needs an interpretation but you. That's why Paul said that he would pray with the spirit and also with the understanding (asking God for the interpretation) as well as sing in the spirit and sing with understanding. He also mentions that he speaks in tongues; however, when he is in public teaching/instructing others he would rather not speak in tongues because that's his personal communication with God...it is not edifying to those who he is teaching. However, if God has a message for those he is teaching and equips Paul with the gift of tongues and an interpretation, then the congregation now has understanding.
When I speak in tongues at church it's between me and God...and the same goes for the person next to me and the person three seats down. Neither one of us is looking for an interpretation of the others prayers...it's personal.
|