SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD?

A Tool to Spread the Good News

Early in his ministry, Jesus directed his disciples to preach the good news of God's Kingdom to the Jews only.  (Matthew 10:6; 15:24) As a result, the disciples rarely set foot outside of areas predominately inhabited by Jews.  But that would soon change.

Shortly after his death in 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus commanded his followers  to "make disciples of people of all nations." He also told his followers that they would be witnesses of him "to the most distant part of the earth." (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8) Spreading the good news to that extent would require the use of many tongues other than Hebrew.

However, many of those early disciples were "unlettered and ordinary." (Acts 4:13) How, then, would they be able to preach in distant lands where languages were spoken that they may never have heard of, let alone learned to speak? Holy spirit empowered some of those zealous preachers with the miraculous ability to preach fluently in languages they had never before  learned to speak. 

Thus, the gift of tongues served two vital purposes. First, it provided a sign as evidence of God's backing. Second, it was an effective tool to help the first-century Christians fulfill  their commissions to preach to people of many languages.  Does the speaking in tongues done in many churches today accomplish these purposes?  

Speaking in Tongues Today-A Sign of God's Backing? 

Where would you post a sign to benefit as many individuals as possible in your community?  Inside a small building? Of course not!  The account of the day of Pentecost tells us that a "multitude" of passersby observed the sign provided by the disciples' miraculous  speaking in tongues.  Why, as a result, "about three thousand souls were added" to the Christian congregation on that day! (Acts 2:3, 6, 41) If people today claim to speak in tongues but do so within the confines of a church building, how can the practice serve as a public sign to multitudes of unbelievers?  

God's Word mentions fornication and other "works of the flesh" as being opposed to the operation of holy spirit , adding that "those who practice such things  will not inherit God's kingdom." (Galatians 5:17-21) If you observe people of questionable  morals speaking in tongues, you might rightly wonder, 'Would it not be inconsistent-even misleading-for God's holy spirit to be bestowed on individuals who persistently engage in conduct that God's own Word condemns?'  That would be like installing a street sign that directs traffic  the wrong way. 

Next time: SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD? - Speaking in Tongues today-A Tool to Spread the Good News? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD?

They "Started to Speak With Different Tongues"

In the Bible, we read of some men and women who were given power to speak languages that they had never learned.  This first occurred on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., a few weeks after the death of Jesus Christ.  On that day in Jerusalem, some 120 disciples of Jesus "become  filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues." Visitors from foreign lands "were bewildered, because each one heard  them speaking in his own language." -Acts 1:15; 2:1-6. 

The Bible mentions other early followers of Jesus who had this wonderful ability. For example, empowered by holy spirit, the apostle Paul could miraculously speak in numerous tongues.  (Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; 14:18) But any such gift of God's holy spirit should logically have a good purpose. So, what purpose did speaking in tongues serve in Bible times? 

A Sign of God's Backing

When writing to Christians in the city of Corinth, some of whom apparently could speak in tongues, Paul explained that "tongues are for a sign . . .to the unbelievers." (1 Corinthians 14:22) Hence, along with other miraculous abilities, the power to speak in tongues was an indication to observers that the newly formed Christian congregation had God's approval and backing.  The miraculous gifts were like a street marker pointing out where truth-seekers  should now go to find God's chosen people. 

Significantly, the Bible does not mention that Jesus or any of the pre-Christian prophets miraculously spoke in tongues  that they had not learned.   The gift of tongues  bestowed upon Jesus' disciples, then, evidently had some additional objective.

Next time: SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD? - A Tool to Spread the Good News

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010 

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD?

"I JUST don't understand," says Devon. "Each week at my church, many seem to get the holy spirit and miraculously speak in different languages. Some of them lead immoral lives. Meanwhile, I try to live in a  morally upright way. Yet, as much as  I pray for it, I never receive this gift of the spirit. How can that be?" 

Gabriel likewise attends a church where people appear to receive holy spirit and speak in tongues.  "What bothers me," he explains, "is that during my prayers, others interrupt me with loud speech that neither  i nor they understand. No one really benefits  from this speech. Should not a gift of God's spirit have some useful purpose? 

The experience of Devon and Gabriel raise an intriguing question, Is speaking in tongues  as done in some churches today really from God? To answer that question, it is helpful to examine the gift of miraculous speech among the first-century Christians.  

Next time: SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD? They "Started to Speak With Different Tongues" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

A Conversation With a Neighbor What Is the Holy Spirit?

What Is the Holy Spirit?

Scott: At Acts 1:8, Jesus tells us what the holy spirit is. Would you like to read that?

Brad: "You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth." 

Scott: Notice that Jesus associates the holy spirit with power. And from the previous verses we read, where do you think that power comes from?

Brad: From God the Father.

Scott: That's right. The holy spirit is the same force that God used to create the universe. The second verse in the Bible refers to it. Genesis 1:2: "God's active force" was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters."  The Hebrew word here translated "spirit." It is the invisible active force by means of which God accomplishes his purpose and expresses his will. Let me give you just one more scripture to consider.  It is Luke 11:13. Would you read this verse, please? 

Brad: "If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!" 

Scott: If the Father in heaven controls the holy spirit, giving it to those who ask him, could the holy spirit be equal to the Father?

Brad: No. I see your point.

Scott: I don't want to keep you, Brad. You mentioned that you have only a few minutes. But let me ask you a question to summarize our discussion. From the scriptures we considered, what would you say the holy spirit is?

Brad: It's God's active force.

Scott: That's right. And according to john 14:26, when Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a helper, or teacher, he was using a figure of speech called personification.  

Brad:I never knew that. 

Scott: There is something most reassuring to learn from Jesus' words.

Brad: What's that?

Scott: We can ask God for his holy spirit to help us in different circumstances. We can also ask for his spirit  to help us learn the truth about him. 

Brad: That is interesting. I'll have to think about that. 

Scott: Before I go, let me leave you with something else to think about. Since the holy spirit is God's active force, then we'll agree that God can use it to accomplish anything he chooses.

Brad: Absolutely. 

Scott: Then why has he not yet used that limitless power to end all the misery and wickedness we see in the world  around us? Have you ever wondered about that?"

Brad: I have, actually.

Scott: How about if I come back next week at this same time and we discuss it?

Brad: I would like that very much. See you then. 

Next time:SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS IT FROM GOD?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

A Conversation With a Neighbor What Is the Holy Spirit?

How a "Helper"? 

Scott: Earlier, though, you mentioned that expression "helper." Jesus referred to the holy spirit as a "helper" at John 14:26. Let's read that together:  "The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you."   Some feel that this scripture seems to support the idea that the holy spirit is a person, someone who will help and teach. 

Brad: Right, that's how I've always viewed it.

Scott: Is it possible, though, that Jesus was using a figure of speech? Now notice what Jesus said about wisdom, according to Luke 7:35:  "All the same, wisdom is proved righteous by all its children." Would you say that  wisdom is a person, that it really does have children?  

Brad: No. That's obviously a figure of speech.

Scott: I agree. Jesus' point is that wisdom is demonstrated by results. The Bible often uses a figure of speech called personification-that is, speaking of something inanimate as it were alive. We often use such figures of speech  in our own conversations. For example, on this bright morning, it wouldn't be unusual for someone to say "Open the curtains, and let the sun in," would it?

Brad: I would say that myself.

Scott: And would you be referring to the sun as a person who would come into your home as a guest?

Brad: No, obviously not. It's a figure of speech.

Scott: So when Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a helper, or teacher, could he have been using a figure of speech?

Brad: I suppose so. That would fit in with the scriptures you read about the spirit being poured out and about people being baptized with it. But if the holy spirit is not a person, what is it?  

Next time:  A Conversation With a Neighbor - What Is the Holy Spirit>

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

A Conversation With a Neighbor What Is the Holy Spirit?

Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

Scott: Let's look at  a Bible passage that will help us to establish whether the holy spirit is a person or not. You may be familiar with these verses. At Acts 2:1-4, we read: "Now while the day of the festival of Pentecost was in progress they were all together at the same place, and suddenly there occurred  from heaven a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. And tongues as if of fire became visible to them and were distributed about , and one sat upon each one of them, and they all became filled  with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance." 

Brad: I'm familiar with that account. 

Scott: Now, Brad, can a person get filled with another  person? 

Brad: Of course  not. 

Scott: Let's look a little further in the same chapter, at verse 17. The first part of the verse reads: 'In the last days,' God says, 'I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh.' "   Let me ask you, Brad, could God pour out a portion of a coequal God? 

Brad: Again, no.

Scott: John the Baptist used a different description for being filled with holy spirit. It's found at Matthew 3:11. Would you like to read the  this verse,  please?

Brad: "I, for my part, baptize you with water because of your repentance, but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit and with fire." 

Scott: Thank you. Did you notice what John the Baptist said would be done with holy spirit? 

Brad: He talked about being baptized with holy spirit. 

Scott: That's right. Notice that he also mentioned being baptized with fire. Obviously, fire is not a person.Do you  think this verse is saying that holy spirit is a person? 

Brad: No.

Scott: So according to the scriptures we have considered, the holy spirit is not a person. 

Brad: I guess not. 

Next time: A Conversation With a Neighbor What Is the Holy Spirit? -How a "Helper"? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

A Conversation With a Neighbor - What Is the Holy Spirit?

The following is a typical conversation that one of Jehovah's Witnesses might have with a neighbor. Let us imagine that a Witness named Scott has called at the home of a  man named Brad.

What Do You Mean by "Holy Ghost"?

Brad: I have hears that Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians. You don't believe in the holy ghost. 

Scott: First, let me assure you that we are Christians.  My belief in Jesus Christ has brought me to your door this morning. After all, he is the One who commands his followers  to preach.  But may I ask, just what do you mean by "Holy ghost"? 

Brad: I mean the holy spirit, the third person in the Trinity, the helper that Jesus promised  to send to us. That helper is very important to me.I want to feel the presence of the holy spirit in my life. 

Scott: That's how many people understand the holy spirit. Some time ago, I had an opportunity to examine what the Bible teaches on this subject. If you have a few minutes, I would be pleased to show you what I learned. 

Brad: Yes, i have a few minutes. 

Scott:  By the way, my name is Scott. May I ask your name? 

Brad: Brad. Nice to meet you.

Scott: Nice to meet you too, Brad. Our of respect for your time, let me focus on just one aspect of this subject. You mentioned that the holy spirit is the helper that Jesus promised to us. I agree with you. But is it your understanding that the holy spirit is a person and equal to God? 

Brad: Yes, that is what I was taught.  

Next time: Is the Holy Spirit a Person? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

Conclusion of A Kingdom That Will Change the Whole Earth

God's Kingdom, which  Jesus taught us to pray for, is a special kind of government. It is a "princely rule" because Jehovah makes his Son, Jesus, the Ruler or King, of the Kingdom. But did you know that others will be chosen to rule as kings  with Jesus in his Father's Kingdom? -Let's talk about them.

Just before he died, Jesus told his faithful apostles  that he was going to "the house" of his Father in heaven.  "I am going my way to prepare a place for you," he said, "that where I am you also may be." ( John 14:1-3) Do you know what the apostles  and the others chosen will do in heaven with Jesus?-They "will rule as kings with him." The Bible even tells how many will rule as kings with Jesus. There will be 144,000. -Revelation 14:1, 3; 20:6. 

What do you think it will be like on earth when the Prince of  Peace and his chosen 144,000 are rulers?- It will be wonderful!  There will be no war. Animals will live at peace with one another and with us. Nobody will get sick or die. The eyes of the blind will see, the ears of the deaf will hear, the lame will run and jump like a deer.  The earth will grow good food for everyone. And all people will love one another as Jesus taught his disciples to do.  (John 13:34, 35) Let's turn to the verses listed here in the book of Isaiah and read about the wonderful things that will take place. -Isaiah 2:4; 11:6-11; 25:8; 33:24;  35:5, 6; 65:21-24. 

Ever since Jesus taught people to pray "let your kingdom come,"  millions have learned about that Kingdom.  This knowledge has changed their lives. Soon, when that Kingdom comes and replaces all governments of the earthy, everyone who serves Jehovah God and his chosen Ruler, Jesus Christ, will enjoy peace, health, and happiness. -John 17:3.

Next time: A Conversation With a Neighbor -What Is the Holy Spirit? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

A Kingdom That Will Change the Whole Earth

CAN you guess what Kingdom we mean?-It is the one Jesus taught us to pray for. He taught us to ask God: "Let your kingdom come." (Matthew 6:9, 10) For nearly 2,000 years, followers of Jesus have prayed to God that his Kingdom come. Have you prayed about that?

To understand what a kingdom is, you need to know what a king is. A  king is a person who rules. The land he rules over is his domain. The domain of God's Kingdom includes the whole earth. When God's Kingdom comes everyone on earth will in time enjoy the blessings that his rule will bring to the people.

God's Kingdom is a heavenly government. At Isaiah 9:6, the Bible talks about the Ruler of this government. Notice what it says about him: "There has a child born to us, . . .and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called . .  .Prince of Peace." 

Do you know what a prince is?-Yes, he is the son of a king. Who is the Supreme heavenly King? -The Bible calls him "The Most High over all the earth." (Psalm 83:18) In the Bible, Jesus is often called "the Son of God."  One reason is that Jehovah gave Jesus life.  Jehovah is Jesus' real Father.-Luke 1:34, 35; John 1:34, 49; 3:17; 11:27; 20:31; Acts 9:20. 

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - A Kingdom That Will Change the Whole Earth

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010

Conclusion of A "Hearer of Prayer"

First, Jabez implored God, saying:  "Enlarge my territory." (Verse 10) This honorable man was no land-grabber, coveting what belonged to his fellow man.  His earnest request may have had more to do with  people than land. He may have been asking for the peaceful enlargement of his territory so that it could hold more worshippers of the true God .

Second, Jabez pleaded for God's  "hand" to be with him. God's symbolic hand is his applied power, which he uses to help his worshippers.  (1 Chronicles 29:12) To receive the requests of his heart, Jabez looked to the God whose hand is not short toward  those who show faith in him. -Isaiah 59:1. 

Third, Jabez prayed:  "Preserve me from calamity, that it may not hurt me."  The expression "that it may not hurt me" may suggest that Jabez praye4d , not to escape calamity, but to kept from being grieved or overcome by the effects of evil.

Jabez' prayer revealed his concern for true worship and his faith and trust in the Hearer of prayer. How did Jehovah respond?  This brief account concludes with the words:   "Accordingly God brought to pass what he had asked."

The Hearer of prayer has not changed. He delights in the prayers of worshippers. Those who place their faith  and trust in him may have this confidence.  "No matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us." -1 John  5:14.

Next time:TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - A Kingdom That Will Change the Whole Earth

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010