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Submitted by Gregg Sanders
To my dear Brother or Sister in Christ,
I would like to thank you for your material on the web. It has
been of great help to me in preparing and giving bible study classes.
You have greatly enhanced our methodology of teaching using handouts.
Yet, I would be held accountable if I didn't note to you that your
reference in Lesson #5 indicates that we all have the "gift of tongues"
to use in our personal prayers. I believe that you have the "Gift of
Tongues" confused with the ability to speak in tongues. SPEAKING IN
TONGUES is evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling and brings
edification, encouragement and exhortation to the speaker(See Eph 6:
18). However, the referenced scriptures (1 Cor 12:4-11, 14: 1-18)
refers to the "gift of tongues" as being followed by the "gift of
interpetation." This indicates that the "Gift of Tongues" is for the
corporate body or more than one believer. I believe this to be an
important issue for believers to know. The lack of this knowledge is
what cause Paul to correct several churches.
Once again, I would like to thank you for your efforts, as well as, your
time and patience on this issue.
Praying for your ministry,
Bro Gregg Sanders
Reply:
Dear Bro Gregg
Thank you for your email. I agree with you that there is a clear difference between the two operations of tongues that you mention. We have personally lumped both under the title "Gift of Tongues" - one being a personal operation and the second being one for edification of other believers, which requires interpretation.
It believe that your clear differentiation - that the Gift of Tongues applies only to that which goes with the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues - is a valid thought and worth considering. This is clearly in line with the rest of teaching on the gifts of the Spirit, which emphasize that the gifts are not for us but for others. The "gift" is not just received by us. It also requires a "giving" to others.
Thank you for your comments.
Yours in Christ,
David Collins
Doorkeeper
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