Upon a first reading Carson's book when it came out years back, I was surprised, too. But then, I recalled his Exegetical Fallacies, where so many fallacies were exposed that were committed by none other than John MacArthur. Carson's reading forever changed the trajectory of my thinking re: tongues (and just about every other thing JohnnyMac said).
I also thought speaking in tongues was whacky and over-spiritual. But then, I had my own experience with the Holy Spirit and received my spiritual language in 2014. It’s increased my prayer life greatly. I never speak them in front of others, but sometimes the visions or words I hear God speak to me during these times of prayer have benefited others when I share!
I have experienced this for over 50 years. It has been a big benefit to my relationship with God. It's definitely not any badge of spirituality, but simply a grace gift that seems to be available to anyone who is open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It seems to come out of openness to the Spirit's infilling, as in Eph. 5:18. It seems to be more of a gift generally for all believers when Paul says it "edifies the person doing it" (God desires edification for us all) and when he also said "he thanked God he spoke in tongues more than they were."
I don't think it's any sort of major doctrine, but simply a grace gift God desires for each believer.
Mike, how are we to understand the practice in the context of church history? I grew up in churches that practiced it and did myself and still think there was a genuine spiritual experience for which both I and others benefited. Since then, I have often wondered why there is so much emphasis on it given the relatively minor scriptural basis and the lack of this practice in church history. I would also say, that looking back at all the people involved, the presence of a spiritual experience was not a good predictor of long term faithfulness to Christ.
I've observed that those who over emphasize it, treat it as a spiritual badge, or get lifted up in pride concerning it, are the ones that miss most that character is more important than gifts.
Upon a first reading Carson's book when it came out years back, I was surprised, too. But then, I recalled his Exegetical Fallacies, where so many fallacies were exposed that were committed by none other than John MacArthur. Carson's reading forever changed the trajectory of my thinking re: tongues (and just about every other thing JohnnyMac said).
I also thought speaking in tongues was whacky and over-spiritual. But then, I had my own experience with the Holy Spirit and received my spiritual language in 2014. It’s increased my prayer life greatly. I never speak them in front of others, but sometimes the visions or words I hear God speak to me during these times of prayer have benefited others when I share!
Great to hear!
I have experienced this for over 50 years. It has been a big benefit to my relationship with God. It's definitely not any badge of spirituality, but simply a grace gift that seems to be available to anyone who is open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It seems to come out of openness to the Spirit's infilling, as in Eph. 5:18. It seems to be more of a gift generally for all believers when Paul says it "edifies the person doing it" (God desires edification for us all) and when he also said "he thanked God he spoke in tongues more than they were."
I don't think it's any sort of major doctrine, but simply a grace gift God desires for each believer.
Mike, how are we to understand the practice in the context of church history? I grew up in churches that practiced it and did myself and still think there was a genuine spiritual experience for which both I and others benefited. Since then, I have often wondered why there is so much emphasis on it given the relatively minor scriptural basis and the lack of this practice in church history. I would also say, that looking back at all the people involved, the presence of a spiritual experience was not a good predictor of long term faithfulness to Christ.
On the CH side, I don't know. I think it works differently for different people.
I've observed that those who over emphasize it, treat it as a spiritual badge, or get lifted up in pride concerning it, are the ones that miss most that character is more important than gifts.