This week I will address how to teach someone to speak in tongues.
I’m not sure how you accomplish this since it is God Himself that gives the spiritual gift and it’s God Himself speaking through that person and not the individual. I’m bringing it up because after service on Sunday a brother brought up the subject because I mentioned looking at the “Preachers of Detroit” show. He stated he is from Detroit and went to one of those churches and that the leader of that church offers this to the members. He described where the leader brings all of them into a room at once, and then tells them to repeat what he says over and over again. Interesting.
I know me and my wife and five of my kids, the other was away in the military, came to tarrying service on different nights and sat there with Sis. Callie Gavin and all she told us to do is “call on that name Jesus” over and over and let everything else go and leave it in His hands. After 10-30 minutes, each of us started speaking in tongues just as the disciples did in the Upper Room in the Book of Acts, the second chapter.
I know only of two other ways: by the laying on of hands and as the Word was being preached. Besides that, it’s a mystery to me how someone could get it any other way. I have since that time been given the gift of diverse tongues and whenever the Lord feels He needs to speak through me I obey.
Acts 2 King James Version (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 4 King James Version (KJV)
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 8 King James Version (KJV)
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Acts 9 King James Version (KJV)
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 10 King James Version (KJV)
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11 King James Version (KJV)
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 15 King James Version (KJV)
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Acts 19 King James Version (KJV)
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Till next week,
God Bless.
Rev. Dr. Rob Harrison, PhD – pastorrobharrison@gmail.com, @drrobharrison
Chaplain – Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Pinellas
Open Door Church of God & True Holiness – 2800 41st Ave. N, St. Pete.