[CCWoody]

As far as the availability of Speaking in Tongues, usually people ask for that gift. There have been times when it descended upon a person though who didn't ask for it. As far as trying to explain it, how do you explain the taste of a pear? Unless one has experienced something for oneself, understanding may remain elusive. ~ JudyB1938

I see that you have avoided answering the question. I did not ask how one receives the "gift of tongues". I simply asked if this gift was available to anyone?

The usual mantra that I hear goes something like this: "You don't have to speak in tongues, you get to speak in tongues." These pastors must hear this from somewhere and think that this is a terribly spiritual thing to say. The obvious implication is that unless you speak in tongues you are not very spiritual. Your post seems to have that same kind of smug Pentecostal attitude I often encounter.

What Pentecostals never ever stop to try and figure out is where in the Bible does it say that if you are a disciple of Christ then you get to speak in tongues.

Woody.

[EternalVigilance]

"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

And these signs shall follow those who believe; In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

-Mark 16: 15-18

[EternalVigilance]

What Pentecostals never ever stop to try and figure out is where in the Bible does it say that if you are a disciple of Christ then you get to speak in tongues.

See above for one example.

[JudyB1938]

Sorry, Woody, I sure didn't appear to come across as smug. Nor did I realize I hadn't specifically answered your question.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is available to anybody. I've read - but don't have the sources - that it's been known to occur in other Protestant dominations, as well in some Catholic churches.

However, not all people actually receive any particular gift that is listed in the NT, even if they ask. It's the Will of God, not ours. That's why I believe any Pentecostal person who says another person is not saved because they don't "speak in tongues" is in danger of judgement from God. They like to foister hellfire and brimstone on others, but they'd better look to their own souls!

The Bible says we will be punished if we don't use the talent(s) we are given - it does NOT say that we will go to hell because we don't speak in tongues. That talent is whatever ability we have been given to serve God - which might be considered insignificant by others, but considered very important by God. Otherwise, he wouldn't have assigned that niche.

The reason why there is such derision associated with this issue is because some people fail to obey Scripture. We are told, more or less, not to do it in public, but to confine it to our own personal use in private unless there is somebody there to interpret what is being said - otherwise people will look at us and think we're nuts.

I am sorry that I can't answer you better - but I am not a Biblical scholar, nor do I have the ability to express myself the way I wish I could.

It really upset me that I gave you the impression that I am smug. Why? Because I can't stand people like that either! They are hypocrites who WILL answer to God for the ones they kept from the Salvation our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross for.

If you are a Christian, you know what I mean. If you are not a Christian, I pray that the Holy Spirit be your constant companion and lead you to the Truth. Amen.