Have you ever felt a divine whisper, a gentle nudge urging you toward a deeper spiritual connection? Imagine a force so powerful, so profound, that it transcends earthly boundaries, allowing you to communicate directly with the one true God. This is the essence of speaking in tongues, a deeply personal form of communication with the Holy Spirit (also referred to as the Holy Ghost).
The Apostolic Pentecostal Church and Speaking in Tongues
The Apostolic Pentecostal Church, with its rich tapestry of teachings woven from the Bible, encourages believers to forge a personal, intimate bond with God. One of the most mesmerizing manifestations of this bond is the act of speaking in tongues.
Dr. Daniel Segraves, in his book The Holy Spirit, delves deep into this relationship with Christ, guiding readers through its biblical roots and its significance in relation to eternal salvation.
The Spirit in Scripture
Dr. Segraves introduces us to the Hebrew word for “spirit,” which is ruach. This term appears nearly four hundred times in the Old Testament, often signifying wind or breath. However, in about eighty instances, ruach distinctly refers to the Holy Spirit. The New Testament, written in Greek, uses the word pneuma for “spirit,” a term synonymous with ruach. This word, in its various forms, refers to the Holy Spirit nearly 250 times.
Dr. Segraves emphasizes,
“Altogether, there are more than 330 references to the Holy Spirit in Scripture.” This means that on average, the Spirit is mentioned about once every 3.6 chapters. Such frequent mentions underscore the Spirit’s significance in the biblical narrative.
The Holy Spirit’s presence is evident from the very beginning of the Bible. In fact, the second verse in the entire Bible states in Genesis 1:2, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” This verse introduces the Spirit as an active force in God’s creative work. Similarly, the Spirit’s involvement is highlighted in the construction of the Tabernacle, where Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God, enabling him to complete his divine task (Exodus 31:3; 35:30–31).
Speaking in Tongues: An Angelic Language
The heavenly act of speaking in tongues, considered by many to be the language of angels, allows believers to converse with God in a celestial language. One of the reasons that is important is because it signifies a person is filled with the Holy Spirit. Dr. Segraves explains, “Oneness or Apostolic Pentecostals emphasize as normative the experience of baptism with the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking with tongues.” (For those curious about why God chose this form of communication, the tract “Why Did God Use the Tongue” provides insightful answers.) While this act is pivotal, it’s paramount for believers to harmonize their understanding of receiving the Holy Spirit with their spiritual experiences, embracing the full spectrum of divine gifts and blessings, as explored in “Into the Word: The Power of the Tongue.”
Ultimately one’s interest in speaking in tongues should begin with a search into receiving the Holy Spirit, a promise extended to all people beginning after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:38–39).
Elements of Receiving the Holy Spirit:
- Identifying with the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Being born again is our way of responding to the good news that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to rescue us from sin. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin… Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:1–11).
- Believing: Faith is the cornerstone. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
- Repentance: A turning away from sin. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
- Faith: Trusting in God’s grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
- Worship: Honoring God in spirit and truth. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
- Speaking Out Loud: Confessing faith. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
- Commitment: Seeking God wholeheartedly. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
The Historical Significance of Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Christianity. The phenomenon is deeply rooted in Scripture, with numerous references to speaking in tongues in the Bible. The Book of Acts, for instance, recounts the Day of Pentecost event where the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. This miraculous event is a prime example of speaking in tongues and serves as a testament to its divine origins.
Is Speaking in Tongues Real?
Many skeptics often ask, “Is speaking in tongues real?” The answer is a resounding “yes!” Throughout history, countless believers have experienced this divine gift, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection with the Almighty. It’s not just an ecstatic utterance but a profound form of worship and communication. For those wondering, “What does it mean to speak in tongues?”, it is essentially the believer’s spirit communicating directly with God, bypassing the constraints of human language.
The Apostolic Pentecostal Church’s Stance
The Apostolic Pentecostal Church has always championed the practice of speaking in tongues. It views it as an essential sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a sign of ongoing edification for the believer, and a means through which God speaks to the church. This belief is deeply rooted in the church’s Oneness theology, emphasizing the singular nature of God and the importance of a direct, personal relationship with Him.
How to Speak in Tongues?
For those curious about how to speak in tongues, it’s important to focus on being filled with the Holy Spirit. As we seek God Himself (and not specifically the language of tongues) He fills us with His Spirit, and our language reflects this incredible experience. It is essential to understand that it’s a divine gift from God freely given to everyone. While faith and openness to the Holy Spirit are crucial, speaking in tongues is not something one can learn or mimic. It’s a spontaneous outpouring of the Spirit, often experienced during deep prayer and worship. For further insights and guidance on this topic, the tract, Speaking with Tongues, available from the Pentecostal Publishing House is an excellent resource.
The Power of the Tongue in Scripture
The Bible places significant emphasis on the power of the tongue, not only as a means of divine communication but also as a tool that can bring blessings or curses. The book, Into the Word: The Power of the Tongue, delves deeper into this topic, exploring the many scriptural references and their implications for believers.
Furthermore, Daniel Segraves made an enormous contribution to the Apostolic movement in his recent book The Holy Spirit. After working all the way through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, he demonstrated that speaking in tongues is the consistent pattern of believers who utter prophetic speech when filled and moved on by the Holy Spirit. Speaking in a heavenly language is a powerful proclamation of God’s sovereignty and our human surrender to Him, and it is also a prophetic moment of declaring the supernatural power of God.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in the believer’s life. It’s not just about speaking in tongues but experiencing the fullness of God’s presence. Books like The Holy Spirit by Daniel Segraves and The New Birth by David K. Bernard provide comprehensive insights into understanding and experiencing the Holy Spirit’s transformative power.
The Science Behind Speaking in Tongues
While speaking in tongues is primarily a spiritual experience, contemporary science has shown interest in understanding the phenomenon. Neuroscientists have conducted studies on individuals while they speak in tongues, aiming to comprehend the brain’s activity during this unique form of communication. Interestingly, the results have shown that the frontal lobes, the brain area responsible for self-control, become less active. This suggests that the individual is not consciously fabricating the words they utter. Instead it’s a spontaneous and genuine experience. For believers this scientific insight reaffirms the authenticity of speaking in tongues as a divine gift and not a learned behavior.
Personal Testimonies and Experiences
Across the globe, countless individuals have shared their personal experiences with speaking in tongues. These testimonies often describe an overwhelming sense of peace, a feeling of being enveloped in divine love, and a profound connection with God. For many it’s a transformative moment that deepens their faith and commitment to their spiritual journey. Reading or listening to these testimonies can be incredibly inspiring for those on the fence about the reality of speaking in tongues.
The Global Impact of Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues is not limited to a particular region or culture. It’s a global phenomenon experienced by believers from diverse backgrounds. From the bustling cities of North America to the remote villages in Africa, the Holy Spirit touches lives in profound ways. This universality underscores the unifying power of the Holy Spirit and the oneness of God’s love for all humanity.
Resources for Further Exploration
For those eager to delve deeper into the topic, the Pentecostal Publishing House offers a wealth of resources. Apart from the previously mentioned books and tracts, numerous other materials explore the theological, historical, and personal aspects of speaking in tongues. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or someone just starting your spiritual journey, these resources can provide invaluable insights and guidance.
Engaging with the Apostolic Pentecostal Community
The Apostolic Pentecostal Church is not just a place of worship but a vibrant community of believers. Engaging with this community can provide support, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of the faith. Participating in church activities, joining Bible study groups, and attending seminars can enrich one’s spiritual life and provide a platform to share and learn from others’ experiences. If you would like to find a local church near you, where believers would gladly discuss the topic of speaking in tongues and more, the United Pentecostal Church International provides a fantastic church locator tool that is convenient to use.
Final Thoughts
The journey of faith is deeply personal, yet it’s also a shared experience with fellow believers. Understanding and embracing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially speaking in tongues, can be a beacon of light in this journey. As we continue to seek, learn, and grow, let us always be open to the wonders and mysteries that God has in store for us.