Uncertain Sounds Speaking in Tongues (languages) Miraculous gift (Acts 2) –proved God’s involvement in message –gave understanding to those of different tongue Corinth (improper use in 1 Cor.) –tongues weren’t wrong: 12:10, 14:18, 14:39 –improper use: (turns, interpreter, control) –“in the church” assembly: 28, 26, 23

Uncertain Sounds Modern Tongue Speaking: Gibberish not languages No control of gift No understanding of message’s content No teaching of the truth Not coming from God Thus we can forbid “speaking in tongues”

Uncertain Sounds 1 Cor. 14:7-8 “Things without life” Pipe, harp, trumpet can give distinct sounds Loud: charge, retreat, wake up (2 Sam. 18:16) Singular instruction unites all in same action 1 Cor. 13:1 without love, mixed messages 1 Cor. 14:9-10 unclear sounds of tongues –Communicates unto God (not teaching) –Edifies himself alone

Uncertain Sounds Need to gain understanding and unity 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? unable to communicate with men of a different language, unable to teach, unable to edify

Uncertain Sounds In our prayers: (mumble, vocabulary) In our hymns: 15 (questionable phrases) In our preaching: Neh. 8:8, 2 Tim. 4:2-4 (vague, no direction, no distinction) In our lives: (action conflicts with teaching, blend with world in words, dress, deeds) In our parenting: Eph. 6:4 (unclear boundaries) 1 Cor. 12:7 should profit all