Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing the Gift of Tongues
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we have some exciting news to share. One of our young members, Ian Norris, is embarking on a two-month mission trip to Thailand and Cambodia to preach the gospel. Ian, please stand up. Let's give him a round of applause. Ian is about $1,300 short for his trip, but we are going to take care of that right now. I need 130 people to give $10 each or 65 people to give $20 each. Let's stand to our feet and give generously. Anything extra will go towards missions and some spending money for Ian. Thank you, everyone, for your generosity.
Now, let's welcome Pastor Yong and Pastor Ray from Lawstown, Illinois. They are building a new church, and we pray for God's blessings on their new property. May they be debt-free and host many people to encounter God's presence.
Let's turn to Mark chapter 16. Today, we will discuss a controversial topic: speaking in tongues. I know this subject can create tension, but I ask you to keep an open mind and spirit. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church and was not familiar with tongues. I had many presuppositions and wrestled with the idea. However, I realized that if it was of God, my pastor would have told me about it.
In Mark 16, Jesus says that every believer should speak in tongues. This is not just for the first-century church but for all believers. There are two categories of tongues: public and private. Public tongues are for evangelism and edification, while private tongues are for personal edification and worship.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists the gifts of the Spirit, including different kinds of tongues. These gifts are still available today. The cessationist view that these gifts were only for the first-century church is not supported by scripture.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 that when he prays in tongues, his spirit prays, but his mind is unfruitful. This means that praying in tongues is a spiritual exercise that bypasses our understanding. It is a way to communicate directly with God.
Jesus expects us to pray in the Spirit. The first gift given to the church on the day of Pentecost was tongues. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all the disciples spoke in tongues. If they needed it, how much more do we?
Praying in tongues is also part of the armor of God. In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about praying in the Spirit as a vital piece of our spiritual armor. It is an offensive weapon against the principalities and powers that we face.
If you have never prayed in tongues, I invite you to come forward. When I count to three, come and stand here. We will pray for you to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Let's lift our hands and pray. Connect your tongue to your spirit and begin to pray in the Holy Ghost. Don't worry about what it sounds like. Just let it flow.
Thank you, Lord, for this moment. We pray for your Holy Spirit to come upon us and fill us with your power. We receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and will speak in new tongues. Out of our bellies shall flow rivers of living water.
Let's give God praise. If you need more understanding, there is a book on speaking in tongues available at the table. Tonight, we will gather for prayer and pray in the Holy Ghost.
Thank you, everyone. Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. We pray for healing for those affected by PTSD and Agent Orange. Meet us in the water tonight, Lord. We love you all.
### Key Takeaways
1. Generosity and Community Support: The church community came together to support Ian Norris's mission trip financially. This act of generosity not only helps Ian but also strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose within the church. It reminds us that we are all part of a larger mission to spread the gospel and support one another in our spiritual journeys. [02:00]
2. The Importance of Speaking in Tongues: Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that every believer should seek. It is not just for the early church but for all believers today. This gift allows us to communicate directly with God, bypassing our understanding and engaging our spirit in prayer. It is a powerful tool for personal edification and spiritual growth. [09:35]
3. Biblical Foundation for Tongues: The Bible provides a clear foundation for the practice of speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, Paul discusses the different kinds of tongues and their purposes. These gifts are still relevant and available to believers today. The cessationist view that these gifts were only for the first-century church is not supported by scripture. [12:51]
4. Praying in the Spirit as Spiritual Armor: Praying in tongues is part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. It is an offensive weapon that helps us stand against the principalities and powers we face. By praying in the Spirit, we engage in spiritual warfare and strengthen our ability to overcome challenges and obstacles in our spiritual lives. [47:19]
5. Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is a transformative experience. It requires faith and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. By disconnecting our tongues from our minds and connecting them to our spirits, we allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us and empower us for ministry and personal growth. [59:25]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Supporting Ian's Mission Trip
[05:08] - Prayer for Pastor Yong and Pastor Ray
[06:46] - Introduction to Speaking in Tongues
[09:35] - Every Believer Should Speak in Tongues
[12:51] - Biblical Foundation for Tongues
[25:04] - Public and Private Tongues
[30:32] - Importance of Church Teachings
[32:20] - Jesus' Expectation for Believers
[36:38] - The First Gift to the Church
[40:28] - Mary and the Disciples Spoke in Tongues
[46:22] - Praying in the Spirit as Armor
[51:33] - Faith and Activation
[55:48] - Invitation to Receive the Holy Spirit
[59:25] - Command of Faith and Prayer
[01:02:15] - Speaking in Tongues
[01:09:26] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 16:15-18 - "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.'"
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
3. Ephesians 6:18 - "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 16:17, what signs will accompany those who believe? ([29:11])
2. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, what are some of the spiritual gifts listed by Paul? ([11:11])
3. How does Ephesians 6:18 describe the role of praying in the Spirit in the context of spiritual warfare? ([47:19])
4. What was the first gift given to the church on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-4? ([39:39])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that speaking in tongues is a sign for all believers and not just for the early church? ([29:11])
2. How does the sermon differentiate between public and private tongues, and what are their respective purposes? ([18:19])
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of praying in tongues as part of the armor of God? ([47:19])
4. How does the sermon address the cessationist view that spiritual gifts like tongues were only for the first-century church? ([12:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the act of generosity shown by the church community in supporting Ian Norris's mission trip. How can you personally contribute to the sense of community and shared purpose in your church? ([02:00])
2. Have you ever felt hesitant or uncomfortable about the topic of speaking in tongues? What steps can you take to approach this topic with an open mind and spirit? ([06:46])
3. The sermon mentions that praying in tongues is a way to communicate directly with God, bypassing our understanding. How might this practice impact your personal prayer life and spiritual growth? ([23:16])
4. Consider the idea that praying in tongues is part of the armor of God. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily spiritual routine to strengthen your ability to overcome challenges? ([47:19])
5. The sermon invites those who have never prayed in tongues to come forward and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you have not experienced this, what might be holding you back, and how can you take a step of faith in this area? ([55:48])
6. Reflect on the biblical foundation for speaking in tongues as presented in the sermon. How does understanding the scriptural basis for this practice influence your view on its relevance today? ([12:51])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in new tongues. How can you seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily life? ([59:25])
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Generosity and Community Support
Generosity is a powerful expression of our faith and love for one another. When we come together as a community to support a cause, we not only meet practical needs but also strengthen our bonds and collective mission. Ian Norris's mission trip to Thailand and Cambodia is a perfect example of this. By contributing financially, the church is not just sending Ian on a journey but also participating in the spread of the gospel. This act of giving reflects the heart of God, who calls us to be generous and supportive of one another. Let's remember that our contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact when combined with the efforts of others. [02:00]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection:
Think of a specific need within your church or community. How can you contribute to meeting that need, either financially or through your time and talents?
Day 2: The Importance of Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that allows believers to communicate directly with God, bypassing their understanding and engaging their spirit in prayer. This gift is not just for the early church but is available to all believers today. It serves as a powerful tool for personal edification and spiritual growth. By praying in tongues, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of His presence in our lives. This practice can transform our prayer life and bring us closer to the heart of God. [09:35]
1 Corinthians 14:2-4 (ESV)
"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. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church."
Reflection:
Have you ever sought the gift of speaking in tongues? If not, what is holding you back? Take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal His will for you regarding this spiritual gift.
Day 3: Biblical Foundation for Tongues
The Bible provides a clear foundation for the practice of speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, Paul discusses the different kinds of tongues and their purposes. These gifts are still relevant and available to believers today. The cessationist view that these gifts were only for the first-century church is not supported by scripture. Instead, the Bible encourages us to seek and use these gifts for the edification of the church and our personal spiritual growth. Understanding the biblical basis for tongues can help us embrace this gift with confidence and faith. [12:51]
1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues."
Reflection:
Reflect on the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. Which of these gifts have you experienced or witnessed in your life? How can you seek to grow in these gifts for the benefit of the church?
Day 4: Praying in the Spirit as Spiritual Armor
Praying in tongues is part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. It is an offensive weapon that helps us stand against the principalities and powers we face. By praying in the Spirit, we engage in spiritual warfare and strengthen our ability to overcome challenges and obstacles in our spiritual lives. This practice equips us to stand firm in our faith and experience victory over the enemy. Embracing this aspect of our spiritual armor can lead to a more powerful and effective prayer life. [47:19]
Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV)
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection:
Consider the challenges and spiritual battles you are currently facing. How can you incorporate praying in the Spirit into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual armor?
Day 5: Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is a transformative experience. It requires faith and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. By disconnecting our tongues from our minds and connecting them to our spirits, we allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us and empower us for ministry and personal growth. This experience can lead to a deeper relationship with God and a greater sense of His presence in our lives. Embracing this gift can open new doors for spiritual growth and ministry opportunities. [59:25]
Acts 2:4 (ESV)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection:
Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If not, are you willing to step out in faith and seek this transformative experience? Take a moment to pray and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It is not a spiritual golden corral. I want a little bit of this and I want a little bit of that. I like that, but I don't like this. I'll receive this, but I don't receive that. That makes me have heartburn. Come on now. That makes me uncomfortable. I can't digest that. Nobody in my family likes that. Everybody I hang out with, I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't like that. I don't want that. It matters where you go to church. It matters what you're hearing." [30:32]
2. "I'm confused about electricity. I use it. I'm confused on how an automobile runs. I still use it. I'm confused how a cow can eat green grass and pour out white milk. But I still eat it or I still drink it. I still enjoy it. Talk to me. I'm not taking the time to investigate whether or not it's real or not. All I know is it comes out white and I like it. I like to have air conditioning and I like to have warmth. I like electricity. I like to drive fast. I like automobiles." [39:04]
3. "How many battles have we not won because we're not using this vital piece of armament. And it's not just an armament for defense purposes. Me praying in tongues is an offensive weapon. How many principalities have remained over Dawsonville, Georgia? Because we are peppered with churches that do not believe in praying in the Holy Ghost. They're evangelizing. They're teaching. They're doing wonderful things. We are taking ground. They are teaching Christ is the only way to heaven. That is great. But there is a piece of the armament. Of God that says I need you to pray in the Spirit." [48:14]
4. "You receive this incredible encounter the same way you receive Jesus by faith. You get saved by confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord that God has raised him from the dead. You believe that and you confess it with your mouth. I tell people all the time the Holy Spirit's not going to take your tongue and begin to pray. He's going to wag it by faith. You receive it faith. You activate it. Well, I'm waiting on a feeling. I don't want you to wait on a feeling. I'm waiting to be overcome. I'm waiting to for him just to paralyze me and just take my body and take my tongue take it and just do with my body. What do you want? That's not how it operated." [49:42]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus expects us to pray in the spirit. He wouldn't have said it unless he meant it. Jesus expects us to pray in the spirit. Why? He said it. I'm not making this up. Did he say it? Okay, I'm not, I'm sure you're convinced. I may have to walk all the way to the back this section. Did Jesus say that every believer should speak in tongues? My expectation was so high right there. We almost matched it. I'm gonna give you one more time. Did Jesus say that believers of all types should speak in tongues?" [34:08]
2. "The very first gift, the first thing, the first thing on the birthday of the church was tongues. Do you see that? Acts chapter 2. Go there in your Bible quickly. The first thing. Not the second thing. Not the fifth thing. Not the eighth thing. But the first thing. Well, tongues is not that important. According to who? Who said that? Who put that in your mind? Who talked you into that? Well, it's controversy. Or controversial. It's confusing. And we're quick to quote that God is not the author of confusion. So since I'm confused about it, then it must not be of God." [36:38]
3. "Paul says in first Corinthians chapter 14, you don't have to turn there. He says, I speak in tongues. Pull that scripture up. If we have it, I speak in tongues more than you all. That doesn't mean that he's in a church service giving a tongue and then there's an interpretation. But what he's saying is I practice. It's the private prayer time and I speak in tongues and I pray in tongues more than all of you first Corinthians 1418. There it is. I thank my God. I speak with tongues more than you all. He went on to say, I wish you all spoke in time." [46:22]
4. "Now, category number two is what we would call the private tongue. Public tongue, evangelism, edification, and probably a few other things that you could add to that, but for simplification this morning, just those two. The private tongue has two usages as well. Number one, the private tongue can be used for your own personal edification. The Bible talks about it in the book of Jude, that it is building up your most holy faith, praying in the spirit, praying in tongues. You are actually edifying, building yourself up. So that's one of the usages. Number two, worship and thanksgiving." [21:33]
5. "I had already wrestled with my understanding of the subject, and I just refused what I was hearing. Because here's one of the reasons. If it was of God, my pastor would have told me about it. And if it was of God, my good church would be experiencing this. So anything outside of the context of my good church, which was really a good church, I thought was outside the boundaries of the word of God, and outside the boundaries of what our experiences should be." [08:09]
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