ListenDaily - 10 February 2009; What does the Word say?
There are less Scriptural references to speaking in tongues than you might imagine, though that does not, in any way, lessen the impact of this gift. Oh, the word 'tongue' or 'tongues' appears many times, but I am not including instances where the actual, anatomical tongue is referenced.
So, as we move on, please look over these passages. I am, with intent, not looking at any commentaries or articles in these first few days. I am going to stick strictly to the Scriptures, and attempt to write without considering any previous bias; I will ask that you read the same way. So then, the next step is to read over these passages, and ask God to open us to His truth. Below is the first half (or so), tomorrow we will look at the 1 Corinthians passages. From there, we will begin dissecting them. For today, while reading, look for the place or role of the speaker, the hearer, and God in these instances, and see what else God shows you while reading.
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news 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." Mark 16:15-18
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Acts 2: 1-11
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." Acts 10:44-47
Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Acts 19:4-7
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
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Questions:
1. What thoughts or feelings does this reading raise?
2. What did you learn today?
3. What will you do with that?
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
"We are the Bibles the world is reading;
We are the creeds the world is needing;
We are the sermons the world is heeding."
Billy Graham
"Our seminaries today are turning out dead men."
Leonard Ravenhill
"Courage is contagious.
When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened."
Billy Graham
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