Speaking In Tongues

Why Can’t I Speak In Tongues?

~ Pat Vick ~ 2 Comments
Photo by Jessica Hearn on Unsplash

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)

This scripture is taken from the account of the Holy Ghost being first poured out on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. Since that day approximately two thousand years ago, every person who has ever received the Holy Ghost (God’s Holy Spirit) has spoken in tongues.

My husband and I travel and minister every weekend, and see people receive the Holy Ghost in this very same way almost every service. That being said, we sometimes encounter seekers who desperately want to be filled with the Spirit, but seem to come up against a wall of resistance that hinders them from pressing through to actually speaking in tongues. Their frustration often leads to the question, “Why is it so hard? Why can’t I speak in tongues?” Sometimes the question is verbalized, and other times I can see it on their face even though it’s not spoken.

First, let me assure you that God chose speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of receiving His Spirit. He wants to fill you with this precious gift, and He didn’t choose something that was unachievable.

Biblically, our new birth experience is compared to a baby’s natural birth. We can easily see that a baby doesn’t have to be taught how to cry. It is actually the most natural thing a baby does. They cry. A lot. Similarly, crying out to our Heavenly Father in tongues should be the most (super) natural thing we do.

Then why is it so hard?

Imagine yourself back in Bible times when the Holy Ghost was first poured out. It was a brand new experience, and no one was being taught how to do it. No one had mountains of negative information and opinions to overcome. They simply prayed sincerely and fervently until His Spirit began moving on them and through them. When that happened, they gave themselves wholeheartedly and unashamedly to worshiping Him. They didn’t close their mouths in embarrassment, or look around to see who was witnessing their most intimate moment with God.

On the contrary, they were caught up in the experience, and reached for Him even more. They worshipped Him louder and louder until they were speaking words they didn’t understand. And they didn’t care what it sounded like, or who was listening. All they cared about was drawing closer to Him, and being completely saturated with His Presence. The experience is still the same these two thousand years later.

MY HOLY GHOST TESTIMONY

Perhaps if I share my own experience of receiving the Holy Ghost, it will help you along on your journey. I didn’t receive the Holy Ghost right away after learning the Plan of  Salvation (Acts 2:38). As a matter of fact, I sought to be filled for five long years. I would go to the altar and pray desperately. Many people prayed with me through the years. However, speaking in tongues evaded me, and my frustration and desperation only grew.

My husband and I were living in Alabama at the time. We had traveled home to Tennessee for the weekend, and were attending service at the church he had grown up in. I remember as the pastor preached, feeling God’s Spirit begin to tug at my heart. I was desperate to be filled with the Holy Ghost, but what was going to make this time different than all the others?

In that moment, it occurred to me that I was hearing words in tongues, spoken in my own voice, inside my head. As a matter of fact, I realized this was normally what happened when I was praying to be filled. I heard the tongues in my head, but never spoke it out. I assumed that was just me, and if it was God, He would take control, and force the words out of my mouth. I was so weary of the terribly frustrating cycle I was in of seeking and being disappointed again and again. Five years worth.

I began to wonder what would happen if I simply spoke the words out. Would that be seen by God as a lack of faith in His ability to change my language? Would it be me or Him? Could it really be that simple? I decided in that moment to find out. I stepped out into the aisle, raised my hands, and began to speak out the words in tongues that had been echoing in my head for five long years. The most beautiful and powerful thing happened as a result. God met me there. The moment I was obedient, and spoke out what He had already given me, I felt the inrushing of His Spirit as He filled me to overflowing.

Five years of struggle was over once I got my intellect out of the way, and used my own mouth and tongue to speak in that heavenly language. You might think, Well then anybody can speak in tongues any time they choose. It must not be such a spiritual thing after all. To that I would say, a person can make up words, and call it speaking in tongues, but if it’s truly the Holy Ghost, there will be an unction of the Spirit behind it, and He will flow in like a rushing mighty river of spiritual water.

SIDE NOTE

After this initial experience, I never struggled again to speak in tongues fluently. It’s my belief that many people cannot speak fluently in tongues even though they have “stammering lips” as well as uncontrollable shaking because they refuse to speak aloud the heavenly language they are hearing internally. People have actually commented to me over the years on how effortlessly I speak in tongues. I think that is a direct result of learning how to flow in the Spirit, compared to resisting until God “shakes it out of me.”

My experience of seeking the Holy Ghost may be different than yours. I can tell you that I have whispered this story into people’s ears around the altar who have been seeking the Holy Ghost for long periods of time. It has helped several to move forward in faith, speaking out the tongues they have been hearing, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

There are other reasons why a person might be seeking the Holy Ghost over a long time period without success. One reason can be a lack of repentance. If a person is harboring sin that they haven’t asked forgiveness for, or refuse to turn away from, they will not receive the Holy Ghost. Some people refuse to follow the steps in the plan of salvation. They want the Holy Ghost, but they won’t truly repent or be baptized in Jesus name. Another reason that I see quite often is a very shy person who won’t worship the Lord out loud. Likewise, some people care more what their friends, family or the people around them will think if they give themselves over to the Spirit. Each of us must come to the place that nothing else matters but being saturated in His Spirit in order to receive the Holy Ghost.

IN SUMMARY

If you are seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost, God desires this experience for you. It’s part of the New Birth, and nothing is more important than being born again according to Acts 2:38. Don’t give up! It’s for you!

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.“ (Acts 2:38)

Warm Regards,

-Pat

Should I Speak In Tongues With No Interpreter?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Paul Bulai on Unsplash

People have been speaking in tongues since the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. That’s approximately 2,000 years. It’s astonishing that after all of this time, there remains so much confusion about the subject. One of the most widespread bits of misinformation is the belief that a person should never speak in tongues if there is no interpreter.

”Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.” (1 Corinthians 14:13)

Sounds pretty straight forward, right? The problem is created from taking the scripture out of context. There are multiple reasons for speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians chapter 14, Paul is addressing speaking in tongues as one of the Gifts of the Spirit.

Apparently, the Corinthian Church was made up of people who  dealt with the same issues as we do today. Because of that, we have a smorgasbord of instructions to choose from where Paul addresses proper protocols. In chapter 12, he  explains each of the Gifts of the Spirit, and how they should properly function in a church service. In chapter 13, he assures the Corinthians that every operation of the Gifts should be undergirded with love. And then in chapter 14, he speaks about handling the Gifts of the Spirit in a church service in an orderly manner so that everyone in the congregation, as well as visitors, will be edified, and not confused.

Paul focused a lot of attention in his writings to the Corinthian church on issues they were having when they came together for services. That being said, these instructions are focused primarily on the use of the Gifts of the Spirit in a church service.

The congregation was gathering together without any order in place. Everyone was taking their liberty in singing, preaching, praying, prophecying, giving messages in tongues, etc. Their services were complete chaos. Everything was happening at once. Everyone was confused, and no one was being instructed or edified. In modern language, we would say it was a “free for all.”

”How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)


TONGUES & INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

Divers Kinds of Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues are two of the nine Gifts of the Spirit. These two gifts work together. A person who has the Gift of Tongues will feel impressed by the Spirit to speak a message out loud in tongues. After which, either that same person, or someone else in the congregation, will follow by giving the interpretation to the message in a language the congregation understands. A person may have only the Gift of Tongues, or both the Gift of Tongues, as well as the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues.

SIDE NOTE

I’m very familiar with these two Gifts of the Spirit because I have personally operated in them. Interestingly, my husband operates in the other seven. Years ago, we were sitting at our dining room table, talking with a spiritual mentor about the Gifts of the Spirit. He asked me if I could choose, which of the Gifts would I want. I immediately replied, Tongues & Interpretation of Tongues. He asked, “Why?” I replied, “Because the thought of being able to speak a fresh word to the congregation straight from the heart of God for that moment would be so wonderful.” He looked me in the eyes and said matter of factly, “It’s yours.” 

So, yes, Paul did say when you are in a church service, and you feel the unction of the Spirit to give a message in tongues to the congregation, you should pray to receive the interpretation as well. Because if a message in tongues goes forth, and there is no one to give the interpretation, that causes confusion for everyone present, and no one is benefited. However, this is only one purpose for speaking in tongues.

I encourage you to READ 1 Corinthians 14 HERE.

PURPOSES FOR SPEAKING IN TONGUES

You need to know there are multiple purposes for speaking in tongues. The scenario above is only one. Let’s unpack a few.

1. Initial Sign of Receiving The Holy Ghost

A person will speak in tongues as the initial evidence of having received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. (Not to be confused with one of the nine Gifts of the Spirit) Speaking in tongues for this purpose is actually the most important, and must be experienced before the other purposes are possible.

Speaking in tongues is part of the New Birth, or biblical Plan of Salvation. Jesus told Nicodemus in order to enter the Kingdom of God (be saved), a person must be born of the Water and Spirit. Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues is being born of the Spirit.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.“ (John 3:5)

The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. Since that day, everyone who has ever been born of the Spirit, has spoken in tongues. The pattern was set in the book of Acts, and continues today.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

We see this commanded by Peter later in the chapter.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)


2. Giving a Message In Tongues

We’ve previously covered this purpose for Tongues. It is one of the nine Gifts of the Spirit for the purpose of giving a message in tongues, usually in a gathering such as a church service. It should be followed by an Interpretation of Tongues, given either by the same person, or someone else. The message in tongues is allowed to go forth two or three times, but if no interpretation comes forth, the person(s) giving the message in tongues should stop speaking out forcefully for the whole congregation to hear, and simply worship God in a more personal way. If the message in tongues is not followed by an interpretation, it causes confusion, and is not beneficial. *There have also been accounts where a person will give a message in tongues, and someone in the congregation who speaks a different language is able to understand the message in their language.

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.“ 1 Corinthians 14:27-28)

SIDE NOTE

You may be asking why there would be no interpretation to a message in tongues. 1. The person who should be giving the interpretation is not being sensitive to the Spirit. 2. They are learning how to operate in the gift, and are unsure, or too nervous to speak it forth. 3. The person who gave the message in tongues mistook it as a message when, in fact, it was simply an overflow of worship. In any of these situations, the remedy is the same. There is no interpretation forthcoming, therefore it’s best to be silent, and continue worshiping between yourself, and God so as not to draw any more attention. 


3. Praying In The Spirit/Intercession 

There are times to pray in our own language, speaking very specifically to the Lord about our needs and concerns. There are other times when we simply don’t know what else to pray, or the need is so great that we are overcome by our own inadequacy to pray as needed. At times, the Spirit of Intercession will come upon us so strongly that we will drop into a deeper place of prayer. In all of these situations, we begin to pray in tongues, or pray “in the Spirit.” When this happens, we are allowing the Holy Ghost to pray for us because we don’t know what or how to pray for the situation properly.

”Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)

4. Worship

Once you have received the Holy Ghost, then you are able to worship on a deeper level. Whether it’s in a church worship service, or in your own personal prayer time, you may begin to speak lovingly and reverently in tongues as you pour accolades of praise out to the Lord. Singing in tongues is another way of lavishing Him with your deepest worship.

“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” (1 Corinthians 14:15)

IN SUMMARY

So, the answer to the question of whether you should speak in tongues if there’s no interpreter depends on your purpose for doing so. If you are giving a message in tongues, then you should only speak that message two or three times without an interpreter. If no interpretation is forthcoming, then you should pray or worship in tongues more quietly so as to not cause confusion in the congregation.

However, if you are not giving a message in tongues, there is no need for an interpreter. You may proceed speaking in tongues to your heart’s content.

If you have never received the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, you should most certainly seek to do so as it is part of the New Birth.

If you have previously received the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues, then you have access to speak, pray, intercede, sing, praise and worship the Lord in tongues freely.

SIDE NOTE

If you speak in tongues in any of these ways, then you have, at some time, already received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and are born of the Spirit. I pray you will take the steps to fulfill the complete Plan of Salvation/New Birth. -> Repent -> Be baptized in Jesus name -> Receive Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Warm Regards,

~Pat~

The Promise Is Unto You And To Your Children

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Jake Receiving The Holy Ghost

Our family experienced one of the most joyful events recently when our oldest grandson received the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This experience is not a new thing. On the contrary, it can be dated back two thousand years to the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

This was the day, the very moment, when God poured out His Spirit upon those who had been waiting, praying and seeking for more of His Presence. This first time outpouring was such a monumental occasion, it was accompanied by the sound of rushing wind, and visible flames of fire over each person’s head. These two signs marked that initial outpouring, yet have not been consistent evidence of subsequent infillings. The sign of TONGUES, however, has remained the obvious initial evidence of being filled with God’s Holy Spirit.

THE PROMISE IS TO YOUR CHILDREN.

Later in Acts chapter two, the Apostle Peter preaches the New Birth message to those gathered in Jerusalem that day for the Feast of Pentecost. They were confused about what they were hearing, and thought the disciples of Jesus were drunk. Peter explained to them that they were not drunk on natural wine as it seemed, but they were filled too overflowing with the Spirit of God. He continues on to tell them that what they were hearing was the last day outpouring which the Prophet Joel had foretold.

He proceeds to teach them the New Birth, and assures them if they are obedient to repentance of their sins and baptism in Jesus’ name, they AND THEIR CHILDREN would receive this amazing gift.

”Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

As Oneness Apostolic Christians, we encourage our children to seek God early. We teach them God’s Word, and create an atmosphere at home and at church that is conducive to their spiritual growth which includes receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

YOU MAY ASK HOW THEY LEARN TO SPEAK IN TONGUES.

This is one of the most beautiful things about receiving the Holy Ghost. No one “learns” how to do it. We don’t teach our children to speak in tongues. We encourage them to worship and seek the Lord wholeheartedly. They instinctively give every part of themselves over to the Spirit of God, and tongues pour out as His Spirit is poured in.

Just as there is no need to teach a baby to cry, neither is there a need to teach someone, even a child, to cry out to God in tongues. Once the body is submitted to God, the spirit instinctively seeks its Creator, and cries out to Him.

PERHAPS YOU THOUGHT TONGUES HAD CEASED.

This line of thinking comes from a passage in 1 Corinthians 13.

”Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

From this passage, we learn there will come a time when there will be no more need of speaking in tongues…when that which is perfect is come, speaking of the return of Jesus Christ to set up His earthly Kingdom after the rapture of the church. However, that time is not yet. You and I continue to live in the dispensation just before His return, and the infilling of His Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, continues to be the obvious and biblical sign of receiving His Spirit, as well as an essential part of the New Birth.

WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14)

Even the disciples were confused about Jesus’ love for children. They rebuked parents who wanted to bring their children close to Him for a blessing. But Jesus allowed, and even encouraged children to get as close to Him as possible. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is being filled with the very Spirit that Jesus was filled with. God’s Holy Spirit. Why would we not want this for our children?

THE HOLY GHOST IS A TEACHER, COMFORTER AND SOURCE OF PEACE.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ (John 14:26)

As parents and grandparents, we do our best to teach our children the ways of God, and the knowledge and wisdom to be overcomers in this life from day to day. We’ve all experienced the fear and sorrow of knowing we can’t be there every single moment to guide our children through life’s difficult paths.

Our children and grandchildren are facing the most treacherous time in the history of the world. Black is called white. Wrong is called right. Rebellion is called freedom. Darkness is called light. Holiness is called bondage.

As a result, confusion often permeates our children’s minds, and anxiety rules their spirits.

Jesus said the greatest teacher, guide, comforter and peace giver is the Spirit of God -the Holy Ghost. Why would we not want this for our children?

A CHILD’S TESTIMONY

Our sweet grandboy, Jake, was wonderfully filled with the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost while surrounded by his family and church family. He lifted his hands high in worship, and sought the Lord with his whole heart, crying out to him unashamedly. In just a few minutes God rewarded him by pouring into him His Holy Spirit. Jake began to speak in a heavenly language, unknown to him, as God’s Spirit flowed in.

Afterward, his testimony to his mother was this, “My heart feels so heavy, but it’s a good feeling because it’s so full of joy!” 

Why would we not want this for our children?

In Jesus’ Name,

-Pat

***Remember to leave a comment! The link is located under the article title.***

Jake with his Memaw & Papaw after receiving the Holy Ghost
Jake with his pastor & pastor’s wife

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is Pentecost Sunday?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

What Is Pentecost Sunday? Simply put, it is the day we celebrate the first outpouring of God’s Spirit, evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues (languages) in Acts chapter 2. This event occurred 2,000ish years ago, and is still happening today for anyone who repents and seeks to be filled.

”And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

For a deeper understanding, let’s walk back in time 3,500 years to when the children of Israel were in Egyptian bondage. God heard their cries of oppression, and sent Moses to be their deliverer. On the night before they were to leave Egypt, they were told to kill a lamb, and put its blood on the door posts and lintels of each Hebrew family’s home. The death angel was coming through the land as a final plague/punishment upon the wicked Pharaoh of Egypt. Any home who had the LAMB’S BLOOD on the door posts would be spared as the death angel PASSED OVER, not killing the firstborn of that house. This was the very first Jewish holy day, the Feast of Passover.

Fast forward now to Jesus’ broken and bloody body hanging on the cross. The Jewish people had celebrated Passover every year for 1,500ish years. This year was different. This year, the Holy LAMB of God was killed on Passover, once and for all paying humanity’s debt for sin.

The next Jewish holy day is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It commences the very next day after Passover on the 15th day of the Hebrew month Nisan. In like manner that the yearly celebration of Passover commemorates Jesus’ death, the Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates the fact that when Jesus was buried, His body did not decay in the grave.

The third Jewish holy day is the Feast of Firstfruits. It occurs on the 16th day of the Hebrew month Nisan. On this holy day, the Jewish people would bring the first of their barley harvest in thanksgiving and anticipation of a good harvest. The Lord accepted these “firstfruits” as a pledge on His part to give a full harvest.

Jesus rose from the dead on the Jewish holy day of Firstfruits. Hence, becoming the first to ever raise from the dead to immortal life. His resurrection is our “pledge” from God that if we are born again according to scripture, and live a holy life, He will also raise us to life eternal.

Fifty days later is the Jewish holy day, the Feast of Weeks. Seven weeks were counted from Firstfruits, and then the feast was celebrated the very next day on the fiftieth day. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. It is also often associated with the commemoration of the Law (10 Commandments) being given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Feast of Weeks also became known as Pentecost which literally means fifty (50). The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 happened 50 days after Jesus’ death.

FEAST OF PASSOVER -Jesus was killed as our Passover Lamb of God.

FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD -Jesus’ body did not decay as it laid in the grave, as it was without sin.

FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS -Jesus rose from the dead on this holy day. He is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and our assurance that God will also raise His Church up to immortal life.

FEAST OF WEEKS -Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection on Firstfruits, His Holy Spirit was poured out on New Testament believers on what came to be called Pentecost. This is the holiday/holy day we celebrate on Pentecost Sunday. Come experience your own personal Pentecost just like in Acts 2!

*These four Jewish holy days are the Spring Feasts of the Lord. They were fulfilled in every detail by Jesus’ first coming.

*There remain three Fall Feasts: The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement and The Feast of Tabernacle. One year not to long from now, these four remaining holy days will be fulfilled in just as much detail at Jesus’ second coming.

*You can read about all seven of God’s holy days in Leviticus 23.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

Do I Have To Speak In Tongues? It’s All About Yielding.

~ Pat Vick ~ 1 Comment

A lady told me years ago that she wanted to speak in tongues like I did because I didn’t make crazy faces. She was trying to pay me a compliment, but I confess I didn’t know how to receive it. It did, however, cause me to pay attention to other people speaking in tongues. Sure enough, a great majority of them made facial expressions that appeared spastic and even painful to watch. This began my search for an answer. Why did some people seem to speak in tongues effortlessly, while others appeared to be chewing on unripe persimmons? The answer, I discovered, is in the yielding.

Do I Have To Speak In Tongues?

This leads me to my title question, do I have to speak in tongues? If you’re asking whether you HAVE to, you’re focusing on the wrong thing. The truth is when you are yielded, you WILL speak in tongues. If you go to the book of Acts which records the first outpourings of the Holy Ghost, there is no record of them asking, “Do I have to speak in tongues?” When the Apostles laid their hands upon potential new converts, they began to worship out loud, yielding themselves to the power of God, and they simply began to speak in tongues. It is the natural overflow of someone who is truly yielded.

Good Ground Yields Fruit

The men in my family farm row crops. Corn and soybeans. If they plant seed into prepared ground, that ground will yield vegetables. They plant with the expectation of harvesting. They trust the yielding process.

“And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:8-9)

Trees Yield to the Wind

A healthy tree is not moved out of it’s place by a strong wind. When the wind blows, a tree will yield it’s branches which allows the wind to flow over, around and through. Here on the farm, I’ve been amazed many times at how far a tree will bend to allow for the moving of a strong wind without snapping. I’ve seen the same in altars when people bend and sway physically almost all the way forward and then almost all the way backward under the powerful wind of the Holy Ghost, without falling. The ultimate yielding, however, is when a person yields the most powerful body part, the tongue, to the flow of the Holy Ghost. When this happens, they will speak in tongues.

Crashing Is Not Yielding

We had a gorgeous beech tree in our back pasture when we first bought our property. I loved that tree. It was a majestic sight to behold, and home to much wildlife that made their nests in it’s branches. Even though it had stood for decades, one day a storm came, and it refused to yield. It was a sad day when that giant beauty fell.

There are many signs of someone being touched by the Holy Ghost -Joy, quivering, shaking, jumping, dancing, crying, swaying, but the only God-given evidence of a person being filled with the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues. Furthermore, when someone comes crashing down like that old beech tree, you can be sure that person didn’t yield. Note, I’m not speaking about sinking down,  “slain in the Spirit,” which I have been. But I don’t care how many so-called men of God blow on you, if you come crashing and thrashing down, that is flesh, not Spirit. The biblical evidence of a person yielding to God’s Spirit is speaking in tongues.

Biblical examples of people falling back (again, I’m not referring to sinking down under the overwhelming Presence of God’s Spirit) actually point to people who were in sin and resisting the Holy Ghost. 

“And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.” (1 Samuel 4:17-18)

“Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.” (John 18:4-6)

How Do I Yield?

To yield means to give over to. We must give ourselves over to the flowing of God’s Spirit. Admittedly, this is more challenging today than in biblical times. We live in a complicated world in which we are bombarded with external stimuli on a continual basis. The world’s influence, advertising, pressures constantly vie for our attention and mold our thinking. By the time someone is at an altar seeking the Holy Ghost, they have already been exposed, and often saturated, with false teaching concerning what is required for receiving the Spirit, as well as negative opinions about speaking in tongues.

Scripture is very plain, however, that speaking in tongues is the evidence that God chose to prove the infilling of the Holy Ghost. That being the case, how do I yield to the Spirit, and allow myself to be filled?

  • Repent of all sin. To be filled with the Holy Ghost, we must stand before God truly remorseful of everything that we have said, done or thought against His will and word. We must also have committed to turn away from sin from that moment forward.
  • Be Baptized in Jesus’ name. Although many people do receive the Holy Ghost before they are baptized, we should do as much as we have the power to do before we expect God to do His part. Repentance and being baptized for the remission of sins is our part.
  • Begin to Praise and Worship God out loud. God comes close when we lift Him up. Verbally, thank Him for his goodness to you. Say the things individually that you are thankful for. Tell Him out loud how you love Him, adore Him, worship Him, thank Him, trust Him, etc.
  • Lift your hands high to him in surrender to His Spirit and will. This is a universal sign of surrender. I’ve never seen anyone receive the Holy Ghost with their hands balled into fists at their sides.
  • YIELD every part of yourself to Him -every member of your physical body, every emotion, every thought, and your very speech.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)

What If I Don’t Receive The Holy Ghost?

If you don’t receive the Holy Ghost the first time you pray, you can pray again. It actually took me five years to receive the precious gift of the Holy Ghost because no one told me these things. If you look at the biblical accounts in the book of Acts, however, you will find that after the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, no one ever “tarried” for the Holy Ghost again. The gift is available to you any time you decide to submit to the process.

The two questions you should ask yourself if you do not receive the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues are:

1. Is there sin in my life that I have not truly repented of? Repentance is not just saying you’re sorry. It’s not even just being sorry. There is a brokenness that comes with true repentance -a godly sorrow, and a commitment to turn away from sin. Check the smallest dark recesses of your heart. Be honest with yourself and God.

2. Are you truly yielded? When your hands began to shake, your lips began to quiver, and your tongue felt like it was going to do its own thing, did you close your mouth and refuse to speak out loud? I realize this is a down to the brass tacks question that doesn’t seem spiritual, but God will not make you speak in tongues. You can stop the flow if you choose, and delay receiving His Holy Spirit until the next altar service, or even the next decade.

So…I Do Have To Speak In Tongues?!

For the love of all things holy, please stop focusing on speaking in tongues. What you have to do is REPENT and YIELD. When you do those two things correctly, you will receive the Holy Ghost, and when you receive the Holy Ghost, you WILL speak in tongues. It’s all about the yielding.

P.S. The answer to why some people speak in tongues more effortlessly than others is all about yielding as well;)

Warm Regards, -Pat

Hey, I’d love your feedback! Leave a comment (by pushing the tiny Leave a Comment button under the title) or shoot me an email (from my Contact page in the menu), and let me know what you think.

A Sound Accompanies the Spirit

Video ~ ~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

Do All Speak With Tongues?

Video ~ ~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself. Hopefully, you can ignore the angry looking face in the still shot. LOL! This is my first attempt at posting a video here, as well as on YouTube. I’ll get better at it.

Do All Speak With Tongues?
1 Corinthians 12:12-31

In this lesson, I explain the difference between speaking in tongues when you initially receive the Holy Ghost, compared to when you have the gift of tongues and interpretation.

The Holy Ghost Is For You

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment


Receiving the Holy Ghost is the third step in the New Testament New Birth experience. Remember, (1) repentance symbolizes Jesus’ death, (2) baptism in Jesus’ name symbolizes His burial, and (3) receiving the Holy Ghost symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection. Just as Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins would be incomplete without all three natural elements, so would our salvation experience be incomplete without all three spiritual elements. Each one is essential to the whole.

The words “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” can be used interchangeably to describe this wonderful gift which is simply God dwelling inside of people. The same Spirit that was embodied in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of the Father, is now available and even essential to our salvation.

Only a select few ever knew God in the power of His Spirit in the Old Testament, but the Prophets foretold of a time when He would pour out His Spirit on whosoever wanted it. A time when He would abide not only with mankind, but in mankind.


Foretold By the Prophet Isaiah

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” (Isaiah 28:11-12)

 

Foretold by the Prophet Ezekiel

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

 

Foretold by the Prophet Joel

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29)

 

Foretold By John the Baptist

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” (Matthew 3:11)

 

Foretold By Jesus

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39)

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

 

Fulfilled In The New Testament

On the Day of Pentecost, the Promise was fulfilled, as 120 people were gloriously filled with the Spirit of the Lord and began to speak in languages unknown to them.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord none place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

To the crowd that was gathered in the streets of Jerusalem that day for the Feast of Pentecost, Peter explained the phenomena, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;” (Acts 2:16) He also took the opportunity to preach Jesus to them, and when they responded to his preaching with sincerity, he shared with them the New Testament salvation message.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every on of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:37-40)  

 

For You Today

It has been taught that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not for us today, that it was only for the early Church. If this is so, how am I filled with the Holy Ghost today? We live in the same dispensation as the early Church with every one of God’s promises to them still in effect.

From the Day of Pentecost until this, throughout the New Testament, throughout the centuries and decades and years and last week and today, God has and is still pouring out the Holy Ghost on anyone and everyone who seeks Him with a whole heart in true repentance. Every day we are hearing and reading the reports of Missionary friends from all over the world of tens and hundreds and thousands who continue to receive this priceless gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Is Essential To Salvation

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9)

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11)

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Romans 8:16)

Don’t let anyone tell you that’s it’s not real, or that it’s not for you today, or that it’s not necessary. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is real. It is for you today, and it is most certainly necessary to your salvation.

Warm Regards, -Pat 

As always, if you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out, either by leaving a comment here, or emailing me at pat@patvick.com.