Does Bible really teach this? Let's take a thorough look at this subject to see what Bible actually teaches on subject of speaking in tongues.

(For purposes of this article, when it is given as - speaking in tongues -, I am referring to Biblical meaning; and - "speaking in tongues" -I am referring to Pentecostal/Charismatic meaning.)

I think that it is unfortunate that when Bible was originally translated into English that Greek word which really means "languages" was translated "tongues." However, we who live today have enough information available to us to determine difference. No serious Bible scholar would deny that this word really means languages. The apostles were given ability to speak in unknown (unknown to them) languages. This ability was given to them for specific purposes. Let's examine purposes for apostles to be able to speak in tongues.

God gave apostles ability to speak in tongues for following purposes:

Signs - as credentials from God, "A man approved of God." Wonders - effect on witnesses, "They were amazed." Powerful miracles - energy manifested, "He healed them." Gifts of Spirit - The source of energy. They established authority of sign worker. Speaking in tongues, as well as other gifts - healing etc., were given so that people being taught about Christ would know that men spoke with authority. Think for a moment how much we today are caught up in recognition of authority. When someone does something that we do not think they should be doing, our common reaction is, "Who gave you authority to do that?" If someone was to come to your home today and start teaching you a different doctrine (or gospel), you may ask, "By what authority do you teach these things?" In other words, who sent you, and why should I listen to you? The same is true back in New Testament days. People were naturally skeptical. There were many people professing to be Christ at that time. God wanted people to know, beyond a doubt, that these men spoke with authority - His authority! "Truly signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds." (2 Corinthians 12:12)

It confirmed Word of Lord. Not only did these gifts prove that apostles spoke with authority, but they confirmed that Jesus was speaking truth. Because apostles (with exception of Paul) had been with Jesus during His earthly ministry, and were taught by Him, they (the apostles) taught others truths that Jesus had taught to them. These truths then, were confirmed to be such by miracles - including speaking in tongues - that apostles performed. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at first began to be spoken by Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of Holy Spirit, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:3,4)

Thus we see that these signs, wonders, and miracles were for expressed purpose of showing by what authority - authority of God -the apostles spoke; and to confirm that teachings of Christ - through apostles - were truly Word of God.

The authority of apostles being established, and Word of God being confirmed, New Testament writers have given us a written record of these events and teachings. This written record has been preserved by God and passed down from generation to generation so that we may have it today. Therefore, is it necessary for God to confirm again authenticity of His word? Is it impossible for us who are living today to accept by faith that Bible is Word of God? Is anyone who "speaks in tongues" today denying that Bible is Word of God? If not, then why must they feel compelled to confirm it again to us?

Let's look at sign of tongues specifically to see how it confirmed Word of God.

"And they went out and preached everywhere, Lord working with them and confirming word through accompanying signs." (Mark 16:20) This passage is last verse of book of Mark, and is really a summation of what apostles did after Jesus ascended into heaven. It plainly - and truthfully - states that signs performed by apostles confirmed Word of God.

In athletic contests (baseball, football, basketball, racing, etc.), one must abide by rules or else they forfeit contest. In classroom, if one wills to obtain a "Passing Grade," there is a certain achievement to obtain. In world of employment, if one does not produce, then another is waiting in line for opportunity to give job a try.

Throughout years "Liberals," such as American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and others have constantly been brain washing our legislatures into granting more rights for criminal and less for victims. This has also been carried into our Penitentiary Systems. Today many of conservatives across our land are very upset with way criminals who have been removed from society have demanded various rights from within prison walls - and have received such (at tax payers expense). We no longer see "Chain Gangs" along roads, as they are busy "Recreating" inside prisons, along with their colored TV's, and air-conditioning.

May we understand that individual who has committed violent crimes against fellow human beings (murder, kidnapping, rape, child molestation, armed robbery, brutality, . . .) have committed crimes that call for their being removed from society. The Bible teaches that a person who commits a "Capital Crime" (rape, murder, . . .) should be executed quickly (Gen. 9:5,6; Eccl. 8:11). However, due to Liberals taking over our Judicial System "Capital Punishment" has been shelved. However, in some states - "Capital Punishment" is being restored. Thus, today we find inmates making demands upon prison administrators. They want:

a) Better food b) Higher pay c) Lower prices on commissary items d) Special clothing for their religious ceremonies e) To fire and hire new wardens f) More ethnic group guards g) More recreational facilities h) Visits from females for sexual pleasure

If I was going to revamp "Maximum Security System" today, it would probably look like following:

A. Grounds and Buildings

(1) The land would be in a very remote area, with plenty of acres to grow on and to protect public. Inmates would arrive blindfolded so they would not even know which way to escape if they did.

(2) The total prison area would have ten-foot high fences which would be high voltage charged. There would be two rows of these fences. It would also have razor sharp wire on top and in between these, to stop an escape if one was able to climb over it.

(3) Under ground beneath fences would be electronic movement detectors, so if an inmate was seeking to tunnel out an alarm would sound. Also - underneath fences would be quarter-inch steel with rustproof coating, protruding at least ten feet deep into earth.

(4) Outside of fences surrounding prison would be guards stationed in small bullet-proof watchtowers. They would be equipped with at least two machine guns and several thousand rounds of live ammunition. The guards would have access to radio communications to other prison personnel, high powered lights, escape alarms, video monitors, etc.