I go to an interdenominational charasmatic, proudly pentecostal church. I haven't yet spoken in tongues or been slain in the spirit. I think it's because I'm still a little warry of it, I haven't allowed the Spirit to flow through me in that way. But I love my church. I remember reading about the Israelites taking their instruments, dancing, singing and praising God. But in the KH, we stood there like logs, were quiet, and silent during prayer. I'm glad that when I can feel the Spirit moving in a church, and when I can see the annointing on my Pastor I can audibly agree with him "Amen", so be it. As a matter of fact, he'll keep on preaching till 1 or 2 in the afternoon if we're not lively enough LOL. But I love it. I love that I can now raise my arms to God and really get involved in it. That feeling you felt is the Spirit. If you've never been able to experience the annointing like that, then man.....you are missing something great. To actually feel the prescence of God in the chair with you, in the isles and in the room. To hear His voice echoing through the sanctuary. It's an experience like no other. I could never go back to the quiet sad ways of the JWs. I would really miss feeling God's prescence in my life, in my church. When I first came here I would cry during service, every time. Just being able to be so open to everyone and to God was amazing to me. The entire, just the whole of it all was overwhelming for me. I could feel God touching my heart, whispering in my ear "I am here, fear no longer, I have never left your side" It's just amazing.
I have NEVER heard it confirmed that a wacko tongue speaker ever said ANYTHING in another language that was understandable by someone of that particular dialect.......EVER!These are gifts of the Spirit, gifts given to people by God for ministry usage. Once a gift has been given, it doesn't get taken away (which is why you have so many preachers who are given a gift and they can still do it even after they've become corrupt). Gumby, you seem to still be trapped in the JW mindset on the subject. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinions. But I've found that most people who do in fact, speak in tongues, do speak languages. But they are more ancient languages. I've heard something similar to Arabic mostly. These people who have been given this gift can use it at any time. It's not like some crazy feeling comes over them and suddenly they blab uncontrolably. A lot of people prefer to pray in the tongues, unless they are praying for/with someone else. At one timie, DH was given (by the Spirit) the translation for a paticular subject that one lady in our church kept saying over and over again one week. Most times, it will be taken to the Pastor. It will be prayed over and prayed about. And once God sends confirmation, the rest of the church will be told what the translation was. We always wait for confirmation becuase the enemy is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. We do not want to allow ourselves to be deceived.Besides....even if they DID say anything that meant something........the apostle Paul said if nobody was there to translate it so that OTHERS may benifit......it was just a bunch of hooey(crashing cymbols) that meant nothing