tld@ssc-vax.UUCP (Thomas L Davis) (02/15/84)
I don't quite get the point of this message, but I will SWAG a reply anyway. The Gifts of the Spirit are dispensed at the will of the Spirit. The tongue refered to in most of the messages I have seen is the "prayer" tongue that is given to all Spirit-filled Christians as a sign of the Baptism. Many references in Acts to this occuring. The "various kinds of tongues"(RSV) in 1 Cor. 12:10 refers to the public speaking of tongues during a church service or meeting. Such a public manifestation is followed by an interpretation from someone else in the congregation. Both of these gifts are given much less frequently than the prayer tongue, which is used in private prayers and in groups during a "praise" time. Out of about 4-500 in the church I attend, there are only about six who speak in tongues and another six who interpret. These gifts are usually manifested both during our Sunday morning Eucharist and during the Wed. eve. fellowship meeting. I have also been to prayer meetings in private homes, Thanksgiving Weekend was one, where the gifts of tongues and interpretation were manifested. The prayer tongue is always with us and most Charismatics, and I presume Pentecostals, pray in the Spirit several times a day. Tom Davis uucp: uw-beaver!ssc-vax!tld Compuserve: 70110,555