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Why Did Paul Speak In Tongues So Much?-Part 3

Steve Sann1 Comment

Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”. This is the third installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.

Read Part 1 here
Read Part 2 here

So, what motivates me to speak in tongues in the first place? Most basically, because Jesus said I should, and Paul said I could. Jesus, in his final instructions on earth, commanded that future believers should speak in tongues: “And these signs shall follow them that believe…. they shall speak with new tongues.” (Mk. 16:17 KJV). And later Paul, encouraged all believers, that they both should and could: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians 14:5a KJV). So, the morning of the Day of Pentecost, when the gift of holy spirit was first received, what did the apostles do? They spoke in tongues as the Lord had commanded. 

And yet, as we look around today, it’s not uncommon to see those seeking tongues becoming discouraged, waiting endlessly in disappointment to “feel” something. Some even have reasoned that God certainly has not granted them this “special gift”. 

Even others have been taught it is exclusively for ministering in foreign languages as a missionary. But in reality, that phenomenon occurred only once in all of scripture (Acts 2): there is no promise offered nor reason suggested that it would be often repeated. Quite the opposite: we speak in tongues because the scriptures stipulate it, not because we expect sensations, or are planning some sort of religious pilgrimage! 

Every one of us has the ability to speak in tongues at the time of the new birth. Physical sensations and other such phenomena are never guaranteed by the Word, and, frankly, are most uncommon. Why should God have to use five senses incentives (emotions, feelings, and the like) to motivate a mature Christian to do what is clearly commanded in His Word? 

No—rather, the scriptures plainly encourage all believers to speak in tongues: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians14:5a). God would have all of us manifest, showing forth this ability which is already inherent in each of us. But why, then, should we strive to speak in tongues frequently? Didn’t we fulfill Christ’s directive by merely speaking in tongues the first time? On the contrary. Paul emphasized, when it comes to tongues, more is definitely better. As an example of this most healthy lifestyle, Paul pointed to himself: I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. – I Corinthians 14:18 

Paul’s daily habit? He spoke in tongues—much. In fact, he spoke in tongues so much that he surpassed everyone in the entire first-century Corinthian church: “…I speak with tongues more than you all.” Perhaps, as some translate, he actually spoke in tongues more than the entire Corinthian church combined. Whatever the case, by this one declaration in I Corinthians 14:18, Paul commended his own example as the standard for the church of the first century. 

Erasing Jesus, Part 4: I Don’t Like Your Jesus

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I don’t know when I started actually liking the painting. I’d wake up in the morning, stare at it momentarily, feel somewhat comforted by the image of this fake Jesus. Weird, I know. Even cheesy. Nothing in my life outside of that was better, but focusing on the painting first thing in the morning brought a little hope that no matter what, all would be well. National politics with its surges of screamers and haters had less effect on my inner peace. I began a daily ritual of praying for world peace, the Middle East, our own country. Even my neighbors. Why hadn’t I thought before to pray for them? Right where I live, for heaven’s sake.

This particular morning I was prepping for Saturday flea market. The season was in full swing but I hadn’t gone back since homing the painting. I was anxious to chat with the old man who passed it on to me, to discover why it was me he singled out. To see if there was any reason besides just unloading a piece of old junky art that wouldn’t sell onto a likely looking sucker.

I parked and locked my bike outside the gate, hoping no one would steal the double basket that I had never fully secured over the back wheel. There on a bench sat Jojo, a well-known community homeless man. Jojo had once been a thriving business man with a wife and kids. What happened I couldn’t say, but he’d been homeless and seemingly content for a long time.

I sat down next to him in a moment of loving thy neighbor, said hello, extended my hand. I’m John, I offered. He sat silent and looked away. I wondered if he got sick of people trying to be nice to him. But I asked him how he was doing anyway. Good, good, he said. He finally smiled. I could see sandwiches peeking out of the pack he carried and a bottle of water on the bench.

Before I thought about what I was saying, I asked him if he knew Jesus.

I don’t like your Jesus! He spat the words out. I was taken aback. What could I say? I wasn’t there to push “my” Jesus on him. So I commented on the weather, asked if there was anything he needed. He shook his head and mumbled thanks.

I got up and walked away, pondering whether there was any value in talking to anyone about Jesus. I had some ideas of the Biblical Jesus, who he demonstrated himself to be. It seemed to me more important to simply try to be more like him than to mention him. You know, be kind to the poor, feed the hungry, be nice to your neighbor and don’t steal their shit. Love God (somehow) and Honor Thy Father and Mother.

Later I wondered if there were different versions of Jesus. How did Jojo even know what “my Jesus” represented? Maybe what he assumed about the subject wasn’t really my Jesus at all. Heck, I wasn’t even sure who my Jesus was, to be honest. And why hadn’t I pursued that opportunity for conversation? An open door I had closed without even trying.

I determined to dig a little deeper the next chance I got, if there ever was a next chance with anyone.

There was no booth that day for the old man with his paintings. I didn’t know if it was a temporary absence. I was surprised at how let down I felt, not being able to visit with him.

The next morning I observed a slight smear near the eye of Jesus on the painting. Had it been there all along? I’m not known for attention to detail. Then I remembered I had sprayed ammonia cleaner on

outer glass when I got it, wiping off flea market dust. Some moisture must have gotten beneath the glass.

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Death Row Letters: Dear Atheists Part 2

Rick Tryon1 Comment

In my previous letter addressed to my atheist friends I promised we’d start looking at some of what the Bible says about the problem of suffering, which is a top argument against the existence of God.

Although, I’ll say here that folks arguing against the existence of God is akin to fish arguing against the existence of water.

Nevertheless, questions need to be answered so here’s some of the biblical answer to the problem of evil and suffering in the world today.

Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Well, I reckon I agree with the Apostle Paul here.

If eternity is represented by the size and scope of the entire known universe, which contains billions of galaxies, each with billions of stars, and according to best estimates, is 93 light years across, then our short lives in this age by comparison would be the size of a grain of sand. Even smaller.

Actually there is no comparison that we can wrap our heads around to understand the eternal life God has promised us in relation to the short years of our mortal lives in this age.

And not only has our heavenly Father guaranteed us everlasting life, but everlasting life in resurrected, glorious, immortal bodies to live forever with Him, free of death, pain, and suffering.

So, while suffering and pain is hard to understand and bear while going through it, no matter how awful or how long one has to endure it, it is infinitesimally brief compared to what God has in store for those that love Him.

2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…

So, going back to what I said in my last letter – God is entirely just, and He has committed Himself, for now, to abiding by the conditions which allow for suffering and pain in our physical world and in our current time – but it all is as nothing in the face of the coming eternal glory.

Oh, look at where the time has gone. I’ll have to wrap it up for now, but next time I’ll get into a little more about what the Bible says about the two kinds of evil – human evil, and natural evil.

Sincerely yours,
Your fellow death row inmate

Death Row Letters: To The Anti-natalists And Nihilists, Part Two

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Dear Anti-natalists and Nihilists,

In my last letter to y’all I only made it as far as addressing the anti-natalists and didn’t get around to those of the nihilist persuasion. So, I’ll dedicate this letter to those of you who believe that life is meaningless and who reject all religious and moral principles – which is the definition of a nihilist.

You may be right in thinking that your life is meaningless, but that doesn’t mean that all life is meaningless. Right?

And if your life is meaningless and without purpose, well, read on.

Now to the bigger, much bigger, problem: To actually believe that the universe is empty of meaning and purpose is to deny the plain evidence directly in front of you every day.

Is there a purpose to the rain that falls? Of course there is. How about the sun that shines or the wind that blows? Of course, and I don’t need to explain or list the reasons and purposes for those things, everyone already knows and understands them.

Is there a reason behind the way our physical bodies are made to function or the way the planets and moons in our solar system move in predictable cycles? Undeniably and absolutely.

So how can you believe that there is no reason or purpose in our existence?

I’m reminded of this verse from the Book of Romans:
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

Everything has purpose, even you. If you don’t know, believe in, or understand your purpose, then you haven’t looked hard enough or asked the right questions.

Seek, and you’ll find. Knock, and the door will open.

Until my next letter.

Sincerely,
Your fellow death row occupant