We see then that speaking in tongues was functional - it had a purpose. It made it possible for apostles to be able to speak Word of God to people assembled in Jerusalem from all over world in their - people's - own language. The benefit was that all those assembled heard word of God; "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41) Can those who "speak in tongues" today claim any such benefit?

"While Peter was still speaking these words,, Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard word. And those of circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because gift of Holy Spirit had been poured out on Gentiles also. For they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 'Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received Holy Spirit just as we have?'" (Acts 10:44-47)

Those in Charismatic movement claim that above passage proves that "speaking in tongues" is for today. However, please note what is said in verse 45: "And those of circumcision who believed were astonished..." In other words, "those of circumcision who believed" (or Jewish Christians) were astonished that this event had happened. Why? Because it was only natural for Jews to accept that Gentiles were not part of Christian kingdom just as they had not been fully accepted by Jews. This event made it very clear that God considered Gentiles just as much eligible to be sons of God through Jesus Christ as Jews were. This event prompted Peter to say, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received Holy Spirit just as we have?"

Again, speaking in tongues was functional - it had a purpose! Can those of Charismatic movement today claim any such benefit for "speaking in tongues" today? No! Why? Because we today fully accept that Gospel is for anyone who believes.

Briefly, there are two other events of speaking in tongues which we need to address. First in Acts 19:1-7 we see some disciples of John Baptist speaking in tongues. Again, speaking in tongues had a specific purpose. It was necessary for these followers of John Baptist to see that Jesus Christ was one that John Baptist spoke of. These twelve would then be able to witness to other followers of John Baptist that Jesus was Christ, Son of living God.

In 1 Corinthians 12-14 we have a long treatise about gifts of Spirit, including speaking in tongues. This treatise was given for purpose of confirming apostleship of Paul so that people would know that Paul spoke with authority. "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that things which I write to you are commandments of Lord." (Acts 14:37)

Once again, we see in both of these cases that ability to speak in tongues was given for specific purposes. In every case of speaking in tongues - as well as other signs, gifts, etc. - that we find in New Testament, purpose was to confirm Word of God, and/or to establish authority of apostle. Can those in Charismatic movement today genuinely show that their "speaking in tongues" has same purpose or benefits that speaking in tongues of New Testament had. If they can, then their "speaking in tongues" is genuine; if they cannot, then their "speaking in tongues" is not Scriptural and therefore subject to perversion.

I am sure that there are many people in Charismatic movement who really believe that "speaking in tongues" is a sign from God. I do not doubt sincerity of vast majority of those people. (I do doubt sincerity of many of their leaders because they are supposed to be Bible scholars, and as such should know better.) I do not write this article to offend them or belittle them. If they are truly trying to live a Christian life and do will of God, then I love them as a brother or sister in Christ. However, I feel that they should be careful and examine Scriptures to see what Bible really teaches on this subject. If any church leader can be this incorrect in Bible teaching, then that same leader can be wrong on other subjects. If one is teaching incorrect doctrine as it relates to salvation, then that person is keeping people who follow their teaching from realizing salvation through Christ. The Bible does not give points for being sincere! One receives salvation through obedience to Gospel, period!

Part 1 of this subject has dealt with Scriptural aspects of why I don't "speak in tongues." In part 2, I will give some personal reasons - apart from Scriptures - that I do not "speak in tongues."

All Scriptures quoted are from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.

Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org

B. General Rules

(1) Absolutely no talking would be permitted unless authorized by prison personnel.

(2) No females would be on prison staff (anywhere).

(3) No photos of females would be permitted.

(4) Anyone caught engaging in homosexual activity would have surgery performed on them to eliminate future activities. (In fact, if for some strange reason a sexual offender was not executed, he probably would be made a eunuch upon arrival at prison.)

(5) Mail would be sent & distributed only once a week. (All of it would be censored.)

(6) One five-minute phone call "in" would be permitted per month at requested times, and no phone calls "out" would be permitted. Calls would be monitored and recorded for safety's sake. (Remember this is a prison -rights have been forsaken.)

(7) One visit would be permitted per month. (This would be through glass, no touching, and words spoken would be monitored and recorded. No prison breaks are going to be in making.)

(8) Inmates would be constantly shifted around from one area to another and if need be, he could be transferred to another Maximum Security Prison. (This would eliminate formation of "Prison Power Bosses.")

(9) No inmate would be allowed any personal belongings.

(10) Cell searches would be very common and unannounced. (This would disclose any unauthorized smuggled in articles or drugs.)

(11) Rebellious inmates would be subjected to isolated cells with minimal nourishment, until he promised he would stay "in line." If he is in "Solitary Confinement" two times a year, he would be told that his next rebellious act would lead to his execution, and it would be carried out.

(12) Any inmate who insights a riot will be executed.

(13) Sunday would be designated as a day of worship and rest. All religious services would be supervised by Prison Chaplain.

C. Work

(1) Every inmate would be required to work a minimum of 12 hours a day, (thus no need for "Recreation Periods").

(2) Each inmate would be required everyday to produce a volume of work to pay for his room and board and for at least an hour's pay for a guard at prison as well as an hour's pay of an "outside" law enforcement officer. Thus, prisons would cease to cost tax payer.

(3) Prison clothes would be assigned and each inmate would be responsible for them. If they are abusive to them, then they would go without.

D. Guards

All guards would:

a) undergo strict psychological examination prior to employment and periodically thereafter;

b) have in-depth background checks;

c) be anti-homosexuals;

d) have unannounced drink/drug checks performed on them;

e) understand that if a riot erupts and demands are made by inmates, they would not be met, even if guards life was threatened;

f) be shifted into different areas of prison unannounced (This would eliminate guards getting too friendly with inmates.);

g) undercover guards would be "planted" periodically among inmates to eliminate guards providing drugs, etc., to inmates.

h) undergo periodical unannounced searches (This would eliminate carrying in of unauthorized materials to inmates.)

i) be assured that undercover government agents would be periodically secretly planted within inmate population, even without prison administration's awareness (This would be for purpose of making certain that all is operating properly.)

Conclusion

I would hope and pray that everyone who reads this article would conclude as I have - "AMERICA NEEDS A RETURNING TO SOME BASICS." It is a miracle to me that we have any law enforcement officers at all. When a person puts his/her life on line to guard American citizens and then they have liberal courts to smack wrist of criminals for punishment. If an officer shoots and kills a person committing a crime, they are harassed by an investigating board, and made to feel like they have done something wrong in carrying out their responsibility (protecting citizens from outlaws). May we be praying for guidance from our Creator as to what steps to take to get America back "In Line."

Brother Hoyt W. Allen Jr. is a Restoration author, preacher and director of the KYOWVA Evangelistic Association in Ironton, Ohio. You may visit his website at www.kyowva.com.

Brother Allen's article is courtesy of the The Home Bible Study Institute - www.james1-22.org.