February 19, 2016

“According to linguists, speaking in tongues is the fluid vocalizing of speech-like syllables that lack any readily comprehended meaning, in some cases as part of religious practice in which it is believed to be a divine language unknown to the speaker.” (definition of “Glossolalia” from Wikipedia)

Another definition of the gift of tongues is the ability to speak in a foreign language that you do not have knowledge of, in order to communicate with someone who speaks that language.

I am not sure there are many Lutherans who really understand the gift of speaking in tongues. But there are churches that see this gift as a vital gift of the spirit and their faith life – one that confirms the spirit is flowing in the church and in individual lives.

Since Paul spoke of this gift directly, then we know that “speaking in tongues” has been seen as a gift to believers since the early church. Here is what is unclear to me: was speaking in tongues a divine gift given to someone to speak in a “known language” but unknown to the speaker; or is speaking in tongues the gift given to someone to speak in an “unknown language” and unknown to anyone else except the one who interprets (which then would also be a divine gift)?

The gift of speaking in tongues is a gift that can be interpreted as a divine message – as a gift coming directly through the Holy Spirit. Speaking is a necessary gift of any church – the ability of the pastor to “speak” to the congregation, the ability of the church to speak its mission and ministry to the community and its individual believers. So as I see it, whether you are speaking in an unknown language and need someone to interpret, or if you are speaking to the community about the message of the Grace, peace, love and mercy of Jesus Christ, the world needs more tongues wagging about Jesus.

Pastor Dave

February 18, 2016

So many people I talk to have questions about how we hear the voice of G-d. Throughout their lives, they may have had times where they think a voice or an event is from G-d, but they have trouble discerning the truth.
I have talked about how there have been leaders in this world who either in the name of G-d or in the name of unity, or security, or nationalism, they have deceived people into following them, often to disastrous results. Here are some examples, and if you do not recognize the names, then do some research:

Jim and Tammy Faye Baker – Jim Jones – David Koresh —

Everyone needs to have a discerning mind – it is necessary in this world where there are many “voices” vying for your attention, your loyalty, and your money. In the history of the church, there have been certain individuals who have possessed the ability to discern whether a message is from G-d, or from other voices. In Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus said that many would come in his name saying they are him, trying to deceive people into following them, but Jesus warned that we need to be discerning to determine if they are “of G-d”.

One of the best ways this pastor has determined to discern if something is “of G-d” or not is to turn to scripture. If the message someone is proclaiming directly contradicts scripture, you can be sure it is not “of G-d”. For example, over the millennia since Jesus ascended into heaven, there have been many, many people who have come forward to say they knew when Jesus was returning. They would often give a date – some even a time – and some changing the date on numerous occasions, and none have been right. But Jesus said clearly that “”But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. (Matthew 13:32)

My friends, always have a discerning ear, and if you wonder whether a message you are hearing is from G-d or not, talk to your pastor, or a trusted friend who you know is knowledgeable about scripture. Always have a discerning mind.

Pastor Dave