So, you're telling me that the heathen are going to be more impressed with a book than with a demonstration of God's power? 1 Cor. 14:22 "Wherefore tongues are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; but prophecy is not a sign for unbelievers, but a sign for believers". There are instances in Acts where believers received tongues, and there is no mention of others understanding the languages. Acts 8:14-24 (Simon saw or heard something that made him want to have that power, so it is implied here); Acts 9:17-19 (again, not specifically said, but Paul later says that he "speaks with tongues more than ye all"); Acts 10:44-47; Acts 19:1-7. This seems to be a regular occurrence in the Early Church, and I see no place where it says that this would stop happening. The 1 Cor. 13 reference you bring up must be taken in context. there, Paul is saying that now we know in part, we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, the partial shall be done away with, and he continues his thought with a comparison between childhood and adulthood, and finishes with "now I know in part, but then I will know, even as I am fully known". Jesus fully knows us, but do we fully know Jesus? When will we fully know Him? When He comes for us and we are taken into Glory! That's when our knowledge of Christ will be complete, even as His knowledge of us is complete now. Paul then goes right on to encourage people to desire the gists, and especially to prophesy, makes more reference to tongues, and other gifts. His point in Chpater 13 was that the gifts must be exercised by the leading of the Holy Spirit, in love. He wasn't saying that the gifts were inferior, temporary (for that time), or in any way imperfect. His point was that love is the central theme, the central point of all that the Holy Spirit does. John said that "God is love", and Paul tells us what that love means and does. As long as we're still on this earth, we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us, to confirm God's Word to the lost, and to strengthen and encourage the saved. That hasn't changed since the Early Church, and the complete Canon of scripture, while very great and needful, is not the perfection Paul speaks of here.
Do you and your church do all of those things mentioned above? When was the the last time you witnessed someone raised from the dead? According to your point of view then we should be handling snakes and drinking poison at our worship services per Mark 16:18.
Jesus could do no miracles in His home town, not because He didn't have the power, but because of their unbelief. The reason that we don't see more of these kind of miracles today is because of Christians like you believing that it can't be done, and actually taking Satan's side in holding up the "power of reason and science", and actively discouraging faith, other than faith to get saved. After that, it's all "well, miracles ceased with the Apostles, we don't do that kind of thing here, we have God's Word, so we don't need miracles". You equate miracles with superstition, and lack of knowledge. You do the people of God a disservice by doing so. As for drinking poison and handling snakes, where does it say that those things are to be done in worship services? Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake after his shipwreck. It was not in a worship service. The words of Jesus were confirmed by that incident. It will happen in the ordinary course of living, as a sign to unbelievers. These things are supposed to be part of our everyday lives, not just Sunday morning at 10 am. I pray every day, and I pray in tongues when I pray. I don't need to go to Church to do that, I don't have to be in a church building to do that. You're looking so hard for ways to explain away these things, instead of sincerely asking God to show you the truth, and set aside your denominational biases, and truly sell out to God, and let Him have complete and total control of your life, 100%,with you not trying to censor or limit His work in any way. I guaantee you, if you truly do that, you'll be ostracized by your friends, your church, and anyone else who doesn't want that much of God. You have to decide for yourself: are your friends, your chruch, or anyone else more important to you than God and His truth? You'll be surprised, the ones you thought were the most spiritual may be the ones who will try to disuade you from it. Things are not always as they appear.
Good words. I do not pray in tongues and admit I don't know how to pray. I wish that I did. Here you have two witnesses who don't know each other witnessing to a supernatural experience today. I hope you take heed because a day may come where this witness will give you the faith you need to reach out with belief and ask God for the things He simply wants you to hunger and thirst for.
As I have learned this is by no means an end all, but another step toward God. Embrace it and allow it to enrich your walk with God. I tell you all now as God is my witness if you would fast and sincerely seek this gift He will give it to you today. I actually told people I was going to get the Holy Ghost. Pauls words convinced me it was mine for the asking. Allow no one between you and Pauls words. This generation has much work to do there is no time for vain bickering. No earthly organization can save you.