Pastor Craig Diestelkamp (or right click here to save to your computer)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Non-Charismatics (cessationists) …believe the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, tongues and prophecy, healing, miracles, etc., functioned only in the early church and are not to be practiced today.
Charismatics …believe the supernatural gifts are given to every generation and should be practiced today according to the guidelines and principles of Scripture.
Packages of God’s truth always come wrapped in ribbons of great controversy. (Bob Mumford)
The value of the gift of tongues
1. It glorifies God in praise and worship.
He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2; see Acts 2:11)
2. It builds up our spiritual man.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. (1 Corinthians 14:4)
3. It builds up the church.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. (1 Corinthians 14:4-5)
4. It’s a sign to unbeliever.
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers… (1 Corinthians 14:22; Isaiah 28:11)
John 7:37-39 Thirst! Come! Drink!
Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
