INTRODUCTION- HAVE YOU EVER MISUNDERSTOOD DIRECTIONS, AND YOUR PRIDE KEPT YOU GOING WRONG?

1. Tonight we want to study something that has caused a lot of misunderstanding then and now
2. Even in our study together whether you agree or disagree you can be blessed or cursed
3. The key message here is the unity in action, but instead many have misunderstood words, sought after the wrong thing, been tricked by their own hearts and had discord.

I- "STRANGE TONGUES"- THE TESTIMONY OF THE SCRIPTURES

On any problem, the first thing to ask yourself is, what does the scripture really say?

A. FIRST MENTIONED, AND FULL MENTIONED PRINCIPLE USED- Acts 2:1-21

1. The disciples were filled- (not baptized) with the spirit, and spake 16 languages- V.6b
2. Greek word here is Glossa- meaning tongue, organ of speech or taste- language- strip of land-
3. In New Testament- used 16 times for organ of speech, rest of time- as a language- understood by someone
4. In Acts 2 it was a tool to win the lost the most direct way- no esthetic value- but practical
5. In acts 2:11 it shows what the people then thought, and verse 41 the results- the lost saved.

B. OTHER MENTIONS OF TONGUES IN THE SCRIPTURE

1. Mark 16:17- the signs that follow- first line missionaries- don't forget the snakes and poison
2. Acts 10:46- Cornelius spoke his testimony with his mouth, not his foot- naught known here
3. I Cor 12:28- tongues here simply means languages- choose best gifts- but more excellent way.
4. I Cor 14:2-the apostasy of counterfeiting the total submission of a frontline missionary.
5. And Paul warns and restricts its use CF39- nothing known in this language.
6. So we have a gift to soul winners- copied by those who desire emotion of being heroes.

II- "STRANGE TONGUES"- THE TESTIMONY OF MEN OF GOD TODAY

One must not be too vain to look around carefully for evidence is another loss of lives.

A. Doctor Epp- of "Back to the Bible Broadcast" One who has blessed my soul through the years.

1. Lots of questions about divorce in tongues- but people want my opinion- not the Bible answer
2. Tongues was a sign for those weak in faith
3. Faithless Christians are critical, lack love in their heart, and caused great confusion and hard feelings.

B. Doctor Sutherland of BIOLA was Dean when I was there, and has been president for years

1. Tongues phenomenon is
   1. unscriptural
   2. no esthetic tongue promised
   3. no evidence of deeper spiritual life of those who claim it
   4. frequently characterized by superiority attitude,
   5. surrounded by great confusion,
   6. split churches,
   7. obnoxious pride and hypocrisy,
   8. they don't evangelize the loss, but proselyte other churches
   9. Comes from churches who have left the great doctrines and have a doctoral vacuum.

C. Doctor John R Rice far kinder, and more tender in dealing with this, but quite plain

1. What is the answer to tongues?
   1. Some are frauds
   2. Some self hypnotized by desire to have what they don't have
   3. Some combination of one and two
   4. Some demon possessed.
   5. God may give esthetic tongue to a simple person pressing request.
   6. First line missionary

III. "STRANGE TONGUES" THE TESTIMONY OF MY OWN EXPERIENCE I am not esthetic- but practical- work.

A. Personal experience 16 years pastorage, 2 1/2 assistant, 3 as president of GPEMA experience = confidence

1. I have never heard a person using esthetic tongue, or divinely gifted language.
2. Those I have known who have claimed this "gift" have been weak in faith and simple minded.
3. If having a little sugar tied in a hanky corner will keep you happy and busy, go to it.

B. THE BY-PRODUCTS OF THE TONGUES MOVEMENT I HAVE SEEN- contrary to scripture

1. Great emphasis on Holy Spirit instead of Christ, on esthetics instead of faithfulness.
2. The union of Pentecostal people with the Council of Churches crowd- David DuPlesse
3. A lack of scriptural unity, split churches- lack of humility, great vanity- better than you.

C. WHAT SHOULD BE THE ATTITUDE OF BIBLE BELIEVING IMPRACTICAL PEOPLE- for God will judge.

1. To those claiming it- kindness, love, bid them to win souls, don't cover their estheticism
2. Toward the gifts- claim all God has for you, use it to win souls, don't ask for what God doesn't want to give you, or you might get it to your own hurt.
3. Toward yourself- scripture commands- be saved, submit and be filled with spirit, be faithful in practical service, and be a faithful witness- this do and be blessed.

CONCLUSION- DON'T FEEL SUPERIOR TO TONGUES PEOPLE, AND DESPISE NOT NOR GRIEVE NOT THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT

1. If you aren't saved, maybe you need a holy roller to scare you into getting saved.
2. If you aren't yielded to the Spirit, maybe you need an esthetic experience to get it.
3. If you aren't witnessing, maybe you need a frontline scare to make you obey.

God will give you what you need- come to him, trust him for it.