“Tongues” is our heavenly prayer language and the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Lk. 3:16). It’s God’s communication system and the most effective way to speak and hear from God (1 Cor. 14:2). When speaking in our tongues languages we get edified and “built up in our most holy faith” (Jude 20). Speaking in tongues is a demonstration of Jesus’ control over our mouths (Rom. 8:26).

According to Wikipedia online, there are 7151 languages spoken around the world today, with English and Mandarin Chinese accounting for the largest percentage. The biblical word, "tongues" or "other tongues” is really an outdated translation that can be more accurately described as the “gift of national languages." 

It’s like using the word "horologe" (latin for "clocca” – ancient mechanical clock bells) instead of the word “clock." Could you imagine the look on the face of a sales clerk if you asked, “I would like to purchase a horologe?” They'd look at you strangely because they wouldn't understand. This is similar to using the translation "tongues" to refer to the Gift of the Holy Spirit. It can be more accurately described as "the gift of national languages," which allows others to better understand it origins.  

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in ‘other tongues’ (national languages) as the Spirit enabled them... each one heard their own language being spoken...Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?" (Act 2:4-8) 

God uses "the gift of national languages" to send messages to people through other people who do not normally speak that language. Don’t be surprised if your tongues language is really one of the 7151 languages in the world today! Like the Day of Pentecost, others may recognize your tongue's language as their native language, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to them directly.

On the day of Pentecost, the crowd heard the disciples speak in “other tongues” the praises of God. They assumed they were all drunk. But Peter stood up with the other 11 disciples and addressed the scoffers, claiming it was only 9 a.m. in the morning how could they be drunk? The Holy Spirit empowered Peter to speak out the Prophecy of Joel – The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: 

“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, Acts 2:14:21)

Thus, Peter began the first sermon of the church to those who would help birth the new church of Jesus Christ. He was pleading with them to save themselves from this corrupt generation. Peter told them to “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit…those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:22-47). 

Here we are now, 2,000 years later and millions of people around the world today have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Now is the time for real worshipers to “worship the Father in spirit and truth,” because the Father wants people who worship him in this way (Jn. 4:23-24). 

We must step out of our flesh and allow the Holy Spirit, which is inside of us, lead us into worship and empower us to perform signs, wonders and miracles (Heb. 2:4). Then when we come together to praise and worship God, “each of you brings a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church can be built up” (1 Cor. 14:26). 

Do you have questions about the Holy Spirit and need answers?

Do you need prayer for Salvation and/or for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

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