The Gift of Tongues For The Service

(This Message was preached via Zoom, at the Family Prayer Centre in St. Thomas. Some Brazilian translation may be heard throughout the call, but efforts have been made to mute them. Also, some excessive pausing and odd timings are due to the nature of Pastor Alan preaching and waiting for the subsequent interpretation).

In today’s teaching, Pastor Alan explores the Holy Spirit and the meaning of speaking in tongues, beginning with a distinction between church callings and spiritual gifts. He points to 1 Corinthians 12 and says the questions about apostles, prophets, healings, tongues, and interpretation are rhetorical, showing that not everyone has the same calling or public gift.

He then explains that there are different uses of tongues. One is a personal prayer language for believers, which he says is for everyone and is used in private prayer. Another is tongues for intercession, tongues for the unbeliever, and tongues in a church service, which he says must be accompanied by interpretation.

A major emphasis is the difference between private prayer and public ministry. He says personal tongues edify the individual, while prophecy edifies the church. He reads 1 Corinthians 14 and explains that in a public gathering, prophecy is more useful unless tongues are interpreted.

He also teaches that praying in tongues is a discipline and a way for the Holy Spirit to teach the inner person. He encourages listeners to set aside daily time, even 15 minutes, to pray in tongues consistently. He says this builds knowledge, revelation, and understanding over time, even when the results are not immediately felt.