The Bible tells us that there are unique supernatural spiritual manifestation gifts that are given to Christians to be used by them to convey the heart of God and operate for His glory, as well as for their edification, and to evoke change in the heart of the non-Christian to help bring about repentance and their surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The English word "convey" is defined as: "to impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or appearance: to transfer or deliver to another" (Merriam-Webster). The meaning also includes the ability to give or transmit.
In the New Testament, the word "convey" is translated from the Greek word 'laleó' and is also translated as "speak," "bring," "declare," and "tell." The word involves the intentional act of transferring, imparting, communicating, or carrying something from one place, or from a person to another, such as messages or the impartation of spiritual truths, as well as transformative conveyance from a state of sin to one of redemption and grace.
"He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." (Colossians 1:13 - see also Matthew 5:41; Acts 9:21,25; 11:14; Romans 1:11; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:17-18; 2 John 1:12
I was Born-Again alone and by myself at the age of 14, outside of the established church and without any emotional manipulation. I had broken my ankle, and a few days later, I ran into some students at school who were clearly on fire for Jesus. They told me God could heal my body, and they invited me to their church on a Wednesday night. As I stood for worship, I raised my hands for the first time in praise and adoration of Jesus. Suddenly, I experienced a surge of power like electricity beginning at my fingertips, which then enveloped my entire body, and seemed to concentrate on my broken ankle. I knew at that moment I was healed. No one 'laid hands' on me and pushed me backward to be 'slain' in the Spirit. The presence of God utterly blew me away, and I couldn't find words to speak praises and adoration to God, to thank Him for what was happening. Suddenly, I began to utter words I did not understand, flowing effortlessly from me. After that experience, EVERYTHING in my life began to change very rapidly. It was as if a giant spotlight was exposing my hidden 'sins' and repentance from bad habits, poor behavior, and thinking became a daily thing.
A couple of years later, I went to a Bible college and learned that a huge number of Christian denominations teach that the supernatural manifestation gifts ceased at the end of the first century because we have the written Word of God, the Bible, to guide us. I was told by many that what had happened to me ended at the close of the first century and insinuated my daily experiences were either of the devil or I was very deceived. However, the historical facts are that the Church did not have a definitive Canon of Scripture, comprising the 27 books of the New Testament, until AD 397, when it was definitively settled, accepted, and established at the Council of Carthage.
In spite of the comments and admonitions from my numerous "friends of Job" elders, my 'supernatural ' experiences have continued to this day. This message is based on a lifetime of Bible study and active experience with the supernatural gifts, using the rules of biblical Hermeneutics.
The Bible says there are nine manifestations of the Spirit available to every Christian today. They are the message of wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues, and they all "work of the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.' (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
God wants every Christian to "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit" to grow in greater intimacy with Him, and to minister to others (1 Corinthians 14:2 also vs. 23-25). These supernatural gifts that have never ceased and are available today because Jesus has, and will, never change and "is the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8, also Malachi 3:6).
The supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit operated without an Apostle being present among the common people in the first century, and every Christian today has access to the supernatural manifestation gifts for the proclamation of the Gospel, as well as for the edification of each member of the Church universal, which is the body of Christ.
Jesus never gave an expiration date on their use. Every Christian must not neglect their "gift" (1 Timothy 4:14). They are implored to stir up the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6) and yield to the filling of the Holy Spirit for the manifestation of the gifts.
The spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit are fully under the control of the Christian. Nothing can take them over or force them to manifest something they don't want.
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)
The Gift of Tongues
The one gift that has divided Church Denominations more than any other is the manifestation gift of Tongues. The first miracle on the day of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit descended, was speaking in Tongues. Jesus said that "signs" would follow ALL those that believe and that they would "speak with new tongues." (Matthew 16:17) The second miracle was enabling some there to understand the Tongues spoken. Most thought the Disciples were drunk. (Acts 2:13)
The Day of Pentecost had a unique crowd of onlookers from many foreign nations who spoke multiple languages. Those who understood what was being said were amazed because they heard their native language, not the languages of the other people there. (Acts 2:6,8)
The Disciples were not preaching the Gospel in Tongues; they were "declaring the wonders of God" in unknown tongues (Acts 2:11). The crowd was hearing them praise and worship God. The Gospel was preached AFTER the Apostle Peter stood up to speak to the masses in one common language.
Tongues is two-fold. First, it is the supernatural ability to speak an unknown or unlearned language of another culture or country to proclaim the Gospel when a message from God is given through someone who does not speak the language of those to whom it is intended. This gift can be human languages, such as what happened on the day of Pentecost:
"And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" (Acts 2:7-8 KJV)
It is also given as a heavenly/unknown human language for private devotions.
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." (1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV)
The use of Tongues within the Church, along with the gift of Interpretation, is empowered by the Holy Spirit to impart wisdom and revelation, edify, build up, and comfort Christians and to serve as a sign to unbelievers.
The Church at Corinth was abusing this manifestation gift. People were speaking out loud in their private devotional prayer language of Tongues, and no one was interpreting what they were saying. They were chastised for their immaturity, rebuked for their behavior, and told that people would think they were crazy if they continued praying out loud without decency and order (1 Corinthians 14:23,40).
However, the Church was reminded that the use of Tongues for private worship of God and personal edification was good and commanded by God because it enables human beings in the natural realm to speak supernaturally to God. (1 Corinthians 14:2,37-39)
The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians that he was thankful to God for speaking in Tongues more than the entire Church at Corinth put together! However, within the Church, he would rather speak five words people could understand in the natural to instruct and edify others, rather than ten thousand words in a Tongue.
What is important to note here is not Paul's chastisement of the church but the fact that he was thankful for the divine ability to speak the wonderful works of God constantly and to praise and worship Him in the pure spiritual language of Heaven (See 1 Corinthians 14:18-19).
Sadly, as with so many other practices in the church today, this manifestation gift continues to be abused and has scared far too many people away from ever attempting to experience the benefits, joy, and pleasure of speaking in the language of Heaven. Some manmade Denominations even say that unless a Christian speaks in tongues, they do not have the Holy Spirit living within them, which, according to the Bible, would make them a non-believer.
Accessible to All
Jesus said that those who believe in Him would "speak in new tongues" (Mark 16:17). The word "new" means "appearing for the first time" and clarifies that this is a heavenly language no one on earth had ever spoken. It is not the old languages of those born on this planet. The "new tongues" are to be spoken by those of the "new birth" - those who have been Born-Again. (John 3:5-16)
The language of Heaven is one facet of the sacred secret of God revealed at Pentecost. The ability to speak this beautiful language was given by the Holy Spirit so that the Christian can worship and glorify God purely, intercede on behalf of others, and be personally edified and strengthened.
It is one of the spiritual things that are common to those who willingly receive the filling of the Holy Spirit (Often referred to as the Baptism in/of the Holy Spirit. It is to be used primarily as a private devotional prayer language because it is the heavenly language of love between the Bridegroom and His bride. It is pure and intimate love talk that is a beautiful way to circumvent the limited vocabulary of human language, so the Christian can genuinely express to their lover their entire being, how they love Him.
There are five examples in the Bible of people who received the Filling of the Holy Spirit, most often erroneously called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44; 19:6) In three out of the five times, there are specific examples that physical signs took place, including people speaking immediately in Tongues.
These examples have been used to establish the teaching that the proof of a person receiving the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit," or even possessing the Holy Spirit, is speaking in Tongues. However, there are two examples in which the manifestation of physical signs, including speaking in Tongues, is implied but not explicitly stated.
That is a 60% probability but not a 100% certainty. It is hard to comprehend that anyone would willingly embark on a journey by boarding an airplane with only a 60% chance of reaching its destination without being coerced. Yet, many in the church on both sides of the issue have essentially demanded that others join them on that uncertain journey by adamantly staking their claim to doctrinal absolutes, remaining dogmatic about their beliefs, and accusing those who don't agree with them of being ignorant, or even worse, deceived by the enemy.
The facts are that there is no substantial or conclusive evidence that speaking in Tongues is the primary proof of receiving the Baptism (or filling) of the Holy Spirit. It may not be a requirement, but it is undoubtedly a privilege and blessing. A Christian isn't required to speak in Tongues. However, they certainly can share in this marvelous blessing if they choose to do so.
Many people inaccurately define speaking in Tongues as "speaking gibberish" or "talking mumbo-jumbo nonsense" because they often say it is of the devil. The truth is that speaking in the celestial language of Tongues is the most intelligent and perfect language in the Universe. Those who eagerly desire spiritual things should be willing to pray in Tongues because it is God's language, and it comes as a gift from Heaven.
"For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." (1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV)
Worshipping God in Spirit and Truth
God desires that every Christian minister to Him in adoration, praise, and thanksgiving - as well as through living in trusting-faith. The human mind is limited in its ability to adequately express to God the emotions and feelings towards Him that well up in the heart. Praying in the language of Heaven overcomes the limitations of the mind and intellect to minister to God effectively. (See Acts 13:2)
It is important to note that a person does not need to feel the anointing of God to pray using the heavenly language. It should come as naturally as speaking in their human language. However, one must always pray in trusting-faith to be effective (See Matthew 21:22; James 5:15).
The enemy didn't know anything about speaking in Tongues because it wasn't part of the Old Testament revelation. He can't understand it because it is NOT his language. God has revealed it to Christians exclusively by the Holy Spirit (See 1 Corinthians 2:8,10). Tongues are the sacred and secret language of Heaven.
Pure Intercession
Speaking in Tongues is speaking, or praying, through the Holy Spirit who lives in every Christian. The natural mind does not know what to pray for, so the Holy Spirit searches the heart and intercedes on behalf of the Christian who is praying. Sometimes the prayer is without words, spoken only through groaning and tears, just as when Jesus groaned in the Spirit and offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears. (John 11:33; Hebrews 5:7)
"Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27 KJV)
Just as the Christian does not know how to pray effectively for themselves, they do not always know how to pray effectively for others either. The ministry of intercession is what Jesus chose when He ascended to the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 7:20-25)
By praying through the Holy Spirit, the Christian bypasses the intellect and gives Him free rein to pray for those who need prayer, for whatever reason, at a specific moment in time, no matter who they are or where they might be.
Praying in the language of Heaven is extremely important for pure intercession on behalf of another, for self-edification, for increasing spiritual knowledge, for praise, for edifying the Church when interpreted, as a sign to spiritual seekers, and as a fulfillment of prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:2-22 - also Romans 8:26-27)
Praying with human knowledge and understanding is limited because of all that is unknown or understood by the finite mind of human beings compared to the infinite knowledge found within God. When a Christian prays in their heavenly language, the Holy Spirit intercedes for them.
However, it is still vitally important to pray with understanding, as well as with the language of Heaven, to perfectly and effectively intercede for oneself as well as on behalf of others. It should take precedence over praying with the intellect because it consists of inspired utterance from the Holy Spirit through them to God on their behalf.
"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 saints." (Ephesians 6:18)
Using the heavenly language when speaking to God is as vital to the growth of the Christian as reading God's Word and praying with understanding. Along with diligent study of the Bible, Tongues helps inoculate the Christian against false teaching and deception, building them up to cultivate trusting faith, reminding them that the Holy Spirit dwells within and helping them pray in line with God's will.
Praying in the heavenly language of Tongues is a supernatural act that comes directly from God. It is both a privilege and a blessing, and the way to "give thanks well" to God. (1 Corinthians 14:1-3, 15-17)
"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit." (1 Corinthians 14:1-3 NIV)
When a Christian prays in the spiritual language of Tongues, they don't know what they are praying for or about, because they are speaking "mysteries" or sacred secrets from the Holy Spirit. Praying in Tongues will also help open the door to moving freely in the other manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit and to experiencing His extraordinary anointing and power to serve others.
Self-Edification
Throughout my life, there have been many times when I couldn't pray, was just too tired or weary to pray, or didn't know how to pray effectively, due to the pressures of ongoing trials and tribulations. My spirit was indeed willing, but the flesh was weak. I have been using my spiritual language for over 5 decades. No one has ever heard it because I use it privately.
Praying in Tongues is the most important and essential way for personal spiritual edification (to build up) for encouragement and to provide the strength to endure trials and attacks from the enemy, as well as to accomplish the work of the Holy Spirit within the Christian, which is impossible by any other means. (1 Corinthians 14:5) It also provides spiritual rest when weary. (Isaiah 28:11-12)
"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit." (Jude 20-21 NIV)
Using the heavenly language also stimulates faith within. Growing in faith comes by studying and hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) Trusting faith is strengthened and increased by praying in the language of Heaven.
It is one of the most enjoyable and spiritual acts a Christian can do and will never take precedence over, nor could it ever hinder, studying the Word of God. It can only help the Christian gain a greater understanding of the revealed knowledge already contained in God's Word.
A Healthy Habit
There are health benefits to praying and worshipping in the language of Heaven. Dr. Carl Peterson, a Brain specialist and scientist, did research some years ago at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on the relationship between the Brain and praying in a spiritual language. He found that vocal worship, praise, and prayer in a spiritual language stimulate the Hypothalamus and increase the production of the hormones Endorphins and Enkephalins. Both can increase the body's overall immunity by 35 to 40 percent. These hormones have opiate qualities that are 100-200 times more powerful than morphine. They affect the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body.
When a person prays or sings in worship to God, the brain becomes highly engaged. Studies have shown that worship in prayer and song improves brain function. Dr. Andrew Newberg, the director of research at the Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical College in Philadelphia, has studied the effects of prayer on the brain for nearly two decades.
Part of his research was taking brain scans of people as they prayed. He discovered that deep, meditative prayer increases positive brain activity. When done continuously for more than 12 undisturbed minutes daily, it may slow age-related decline in brain function and improve memory. Dr. Newberg's research also uncovered several additional benefits and effects of prayer on the brain. He found that praying in the heavenly language temporarily reduces activity in the frontal lobe, located just behind the forehead. The frontal lobe becomes activated when a person focuses their attention on something specific, whether good or bad, such as making plans or decisions using human reasoning and logic. When a person is worried or fearful, it exacerbates the adverse effects of normal aging on the frontal lobes of the brain. It can lead to deterioration associated with loss of memory and mental function, such as dementia.
Dr. Newberg's studies also revealed that praying in the language of Heaven suspends the frontal lobe doorway that keeps information organized and attention focused, allowing new ideas and thoughts to have a more profound impact on the person in prayer, and undoes the effects of negative thinking through worry and fear. It can also help keep the brain healthy and strong by improving cognitive behaviors and processes used for decision-making and positive choices.
Prayer also activates the anterior cingulate of the brain, which is located just behind the frontal lobe. This area helps make a person more aware of those around them, enabling them to sense how others feel and respond with increased compassion and empathy. Prayer increases activity in the anterior cingulate, brings about a sense of comfort and peace, and reduces stress, anxiety, and other harmful emotions by deactivating the limbic system.
The parietal lobes of the brain, which are located above and slightly behind the ears, are deactivated when praying. This area of the brain is activated when a person feels a heightened sense of self-awareness in response to loneliness, isolation, or fear. Activity in this area drops when praying or singing in Tongues, and self-awareness diminishes, enabling a person to feel more acceptable and at one with God and fellow Christians.
Praying in the Heavenly language also deactivates the limbic system, which is the oldest region of the brain. This region comprises several components at the top of the spinal cord: the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, septal area, and cingulate cortex.
All mammals, including dogs and cats as well as birds, fish, and even reptiles, have this type of brain system. It was designed to help fight for survival. It becomes activated when a person dwells on negative images and feels destructive emotions such as anger, guilt, worry, stress, fear, depression, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, unforgiveness, and pessimism.
Increased activity in the limbic system impairs the immune function of the body by raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease, as well as undermining the function of - and causing damage to - the frontal lobe and anterior cingulate of the brain.
By praying in the language of Heaven, negative emotions in the limbic system can be prevented from becoming activated, helping turn on positive emotions and improving immune system function, resulting in a happier, healthier, and longer life.
Stepping Out in Trusting-Faith
As the Christian praises the beautiful God audibly, they may experience stammering lips. As they continue to yield their tongue to the Holy Spirit, He will speak through them with words foreign to their understanding.
"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people." (Isaiah 28:11 KJV)
To pray in the language of Heaven, the Christian has to let go of the fallen nature's reasoning and relinquish self-control so that God can take control. It is a spiritually generated language.
The Holy Spirit will give the words when a Christian willingly yields their tongue to Him. Jesus promised that "if you ask, it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." When a Christian asks for this spiritual language of love, He will give it to them because He knows how to "give good gifts" to His children. (Luke 11:9-13 KJV)
It does not interfere with what a person is doing or thinking. Praying in the language of Heaven is not letting a familiar evil spirit take over a person's tongue. It is a free choice of the will as they humbly yield their tongue to God. A person can start and stop when they want, speak, or even sing at their own pace, out loud or in muted silence. The Christian is entirely in control because the Holy Spirit lives inside them, making them now the Holy of Holies, God's dwelling place. (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19)
The Language of Love
"He who speaks in tongues edifies himself...I would like every one of you to speak in tongues". (1 Corinthians 14:4-5)
In light of the joy and blessings the spiritual language of Tongues offers, it is hard to understand why so few Christians desire this gift of love and are adamantly opposed to its use.
God's first language is not silence - it is love! It is incredible to me that there is a growing number of leaders in the church who are embracing pseudo-spirituality through mystical methods of meditation, guided imagery prayer, walking labyrinths, prayer mapping, candle lighting, circle drawing, breathtaking and contemplative/ soaking/centering prayer that have absolutely no biblical foundation, and that are actually rooted in Gnostic heresy as well as the Occult and eastern mysticism, in order to try and connect with God, rather than embracing the biblical language of Heaven, which many of those same leaders adamantly say it is not for today, or worse, is of the devil!
This wondrous gift is available to every Christian. I honestly can't imagine anyone who loves God not wanting to transcend the limits of their human language and be able to intimately praise and worship Him in spirit and truth through Tongues - the language of Heaven. The simple truth is that all a Christian has to do to receive it is ask God for it.
"Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name; bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits"- that my spirit, full of joy, yearned to express this totally -" all...within me" to break forth in heavenly blessing." (Psalm 103)
