In my understanding of this subject & considering all relevant Scriptures, I don't detect that the Gift of speaking in other tongues has ever been done away with. There will be some who say that it has been, along with healing, miracles, etc. & they would cite some Scriptures in support, chiefly, 1 Corinthians 13:10 referring to the complete Word of God (that which is Perfect) now with us. And at the other end of the spectrum, there are those who maintain that unless one speaks in tongues, then one has not been baptized by the Spirit, hence not saved (using Acts chapter 2 as one of the Scriptures). And there are various opinions in-between.
I follow the understanding that if one has that gift, then one has to use it for God's Glory & as prescribed in the Word. 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 are relevant for us to know how the gift is to be used in corporate ministry & private worship. The matter arises when a tongue is given that appears to not be a language unlearned, but as some describe it as 'babble'. Again, if this matter is unknown to the user of tongues, then Paul has prescribed the proper use of it. But often in some Churches, a corporate use of tongues in worship is given a special place which presents itself as a meaningless din to the non-participant, & this is not in accord with Scripture.
In any case, the Scripture is clear that though this was a sign of the reception of this Gift, it's certainly not mandatory to have it to prove the indwelling of the Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 12:30).
There is a difference in speaking in tongues as in Holy Spirit baptism. The Holy Spirit is the gift. Holy Spirit baptism in tongues is the utterance or a sign. Chapter 14 here is talking about spiritual gifts. It is those gifts given by God as he so desired to give. It's completely different. Even the first sentence of this chapter starts off by talking on spiritual gifts.
When I was desiring to be filled wthe the Holy Ghost, I spoke in tongues. It is also a sign, Mark 17. You will also receive power once that the Ho!y Ghost has come upon you. Acts 1:8. I'm in a small church. All speak in tongues.
Mostly they speak unto God & not to the church. It's a beautiful sound to hear.
This is one of the most controversial parts of Gods Word in the Church both in operation and application, it is one where you either believe or not although when I've seen it in operation most times it is not done as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:40 decent and in order. God Bless
I follow the understanding that if one has that gift, then one has to use it for God's Glory & as prescribed in the Word. 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 are relevant for us to know how the gift is to be used in corporate ministry & private worship. The matter arises when a tongue is given that appears to not be a language unlearned, but as some describe it as 'babble'. Again, if this matter is unknown to the user of tongues, then Paul has prescribed the proper use of it. But often in some Churches, a corporate use of tongues in worship is given a special place which presents itself as a meaningless din to the non-participant, & this is not in accord with Scripture.
In any case, the Scripture is clear that though this was a sign of the reception of this Gift, it's certainly not mandatory to have it to prove the indwelling of the Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 12:30).
Mostly they speak unto God & not to the church. It's a beautiful sound to hear.
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