Discussion Day 3 by Tomi Jinadu
Reflection on the book Why Tongues?
Reason 1: TONGUES- The Initial Sign
Speaking in tongues is an initial supernatural sign or evidence of the presence of the Holy Sprit dwelling inside a believer.
First, I believe it’s important to establish that receiving the holy ghost and being born again are two different (but related) experiences. When we give our lives to Christ there is a work of the Holy Ghost involved in the new birth, but that is not called receiving the Holy Ghost- that is called being born-again. There is an experience following salvation called receiving or being filled with the Holy Ghost.
ACTS 8:14-17, ACTS 19:1-3.6 illustrates this clearly. Even though the people had been saved, they had not received the Holy Ghost since they believed. This makes it clear that it is very possible to be saved but not had the experience called receiving the Holy Ghost. It wasn’t until Apostle Paul laid hands on these believers in Acts 19 that they received the Holy Ghost.
Our key text for today is found in Acts 2:4 “And when they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, they began to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance”
Also, in the tenth chapter of Acts, the way that the Jews knew that Cornelius’ household (who were gentiles) had received the gift of the Holy Ghost was when they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Speaking with tongues was the supernatural sign which convinced them that the Gentiles had the same gift as they. Hallelujah, no more discrimination against the Jews and Gentiles!
Summary
Being born again and receiving the Holy Ghost are two different experience. Sadly, one can be born again without having ever received the Holy Ghost.
Speaking with tongues is the initial evidence or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (also called receiving the Holy Ghost)
When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, we speak with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance (meaning He is the one who gives us the words to utter/say)
EVERY BELIEVER: Jew, Gentile, Black, White, irrespective of denomination can receive this wonderful gift of baptism of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues. Its available for all!
As we go on in this study, we will learn more on the numerous benefits of speaking in tongues.