I was in a taxi today coming back from work when I held two passengers arguing about speaking in tongues.
One asked: Must a Christian speak in tongues?
The other answered and said: NO that it is not compulsory for Christians to speak in tongues. He even went as far to say that most Christians learn how to speak in tongues from their pastors after attending classes for it.
ME: In my mind, I laughed and was like really?
This argument between these two men kept me wondering about speaking in tongues and I am very sure that you are also thinking about what the answer is. IS IT YES OR NO THAT A CHRISTIAN MUST SPEAK IN TONGUE? So I had to make my research and also asked God for direction on this topic and here is it:
MUST A CHRISTIAN SPEAK IN TONGUE?
Many churches and denominations have their own view about speaking in tongues. Some churches do not even agree with the fact that a Christian should speak in tongue while others believe in it.
But the truth of the matter is that if you are looking to understand about speaking in tongues, the only place to find the truth is in the SCRIPTURE (BIBLE).
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Luke 11:9
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the gifts and we are all given different gifts as the bible recorded, that we shall benefit the Kingdom of God and help others come in contact with Jesus Christ. One cannot get the gift of the Holy Spirit if you are not in Christ or following His commandments. A sinner cannot get the gift of the Holy Spirit
Act 2: 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.
What is Gift of the Holy Spirit?
Gifts of the Holy Spirit are special and unique abilities given by the Holy Spirit to Christians ( Christ Like) for the purpose of building and developing the body of Christ.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit include Wisdom, Faith, Knowledge, Healing, Miracles, Speaking in tongues, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits and Interpretation of Tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues
Those are the gifts of the Holy Spirit above.
Anyone who speaks in tongue has the gift if the Holy Spirit in him. He speaks directly to God and no one understands except God and those who can interpret tongues.
1 Corinthians 14
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; [a]for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.