Speaking in Tongues – Edifies the Church

by | Updated February 18th, 2023

In these troublesome days the Church needs building up and strengthening like never before. People seem beat down and defeated today (even in the Church) like no other time I have seen.

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4).

“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret” (1 Corinthians 14:12-13).

When Paul began the subject of “spirituals” or spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, he was careful to teach that the only purpose of such gifts was for profit. Christians believers are all members of one body. Jesus Christ is the head, and we all are members of that one body. There is only one true Church. Christ has a spiritual body, and we are all united to Him by the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit has given that Church gifts for edification, for exhortation and for comfort (1 Corinthians 14:2-4).

We are told to covet the best gifts and to seek those things that will edify the Church. Everyone will not speak in tongues in the public assembly. (Though all may speak with tongues in their personal prayer language.) Everyone does not have the gifts of healing. Everyone does not interpret, but most assuredly the Holy Spirit wants this ministry in the Church today.

Too many critics have persuaded people that these blessing are not longer for us. These ministers have robbed the Church of the full power of the Holy Ghost. It is no wonder we do not have the spiritual services we should. Paul tells us in his writings: “When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26).

I have been in contact with hundreds of lovely people in the community who are not satisfied with their spiritual life. They know God has something more. God’s power and Spirit has been moving in His Church and people are coming from the north, south, east and west to enjoy the outpouring of His Spirit. God wants a praying Church. God wants a powerful Church. He has given manifestations of His Spirit that the Church may be built up. I pray that we will give the Holy Spirit His place in our services in these last days.

All may not have the gifts of tongues and interpretation for the general assembly, but Paul clearly teaches that each and every believer can enjoy the liberty of tongues in their own praise and praying. We can receive edification for ourselves as we pray and sing in the Spirit. Oh, that men would permit God to give them what He desire to give.

We edify ourselves as we pray and sing in the Spirit and tongues and interpretation edifies the Church. This is why in the ministry of tongues is so needed.

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