COUPLES FOR CHRIST TONGUES WORKSHOP

This workshop is available to all members of CFC, and is particularly recommended for preparing CLP team members for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The workshop's goal is to teach the participants about the gift of tongues, and to help them yield to tongues. On a more general level, the workshop can lead the participants to a deeper experience of the workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives. CFC clusters are encouraged to regularly schedule this Tongues Workshop for their members. Chapter Heads can also arrange for this workshop for smaller groups of participants whenever deemed necessary. Schedule 30 minutes 15 minutes 60 minutes 5 minutes 45 minutes -----arrival, registration and fellowship short worship (2 praise songs)/opening prayer talk on "The Gift of Tongues" stretch break workshop proper

It is possible to add a WORKSHOP FOR BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT to the above. The procedure for this is attached.

CFC PFO. July 7, 1995. 9 pages.

COUPLES FOR CHRIST TONGUES WORKSHOP TALK : THE GIFT OF TONGUES Expanded Outline A. Introduction. 1. We all have been prayed with for baptism in the Spirit. Having asked and received, the Holy Spirit is at work in us in a new way. a) Part of the Spirit's work is implanting a desire in our hearts to have more and more of God, to continue to experience Him more intimately. b) One powerful experience some lack is speaking in tongues. 2. In the Bible, we first encounter speaking in tongues in the book of Acts, on the day of Pentecost. a) It was something totally new, appearing only at this time. * We have encountered the other spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:8-10)
8To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit;d9to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit;10to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. e in the Old Testament and

the gospels (Note: an example of interpretation is Daniel figuring out the handwriting on the wall). But tongues is new. b) Tongues is also unique. Pentecost. It is a prominent feature in the church established at

3. Speaking in tongues is for all of us. "Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues" (1 Cor 14:5). Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who
prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up.

B. What is the gift of tongues? 1. A definition: Speaking in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit where one speaks an unintelligible utterance or a language which he does not know, and which he does not understand. a) It is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. * Acts 2:4, 10:45-46, 19:6. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in
different tongues,* as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.d The circumcised believers who had

accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,46for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, And when Paul laid [his] hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.b

It is directly connected with the outpouring of the Spirit on people.

b) It could very well be an actual language. * There are many different languages in the world (1 Cor 14:10). It happens that there are many different languages in the world, and none is meaningless; In fact, there are over 6,000 languages and dialects. Some of them sound like gibberish. Some are merely grunts. Actual sentences can sound like baby talk. A Filipino example: A conversation between an elevator operator and a passenger. "Bababa ba?" (Is this going down?). "Bababa" (Yes, it is going down).

2. Speaking in tongues is speaking to God. 1 Cor 14:2. * For one who speaks in a tongue does not
speak to human beings but to God, for no one listens; he utters mysteries in spirit.

a) It is speaking to God beyond the limits of human intelligible language. expressing the inexpressible.

It is

b) Being addressed to God, there is no need for people to understand what is being said. God understands. C. Why is tongues important? 1. Tongues is important because it is a gift of the Spirit. 1 Cor 12:4,10. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; c5there are different forms of service but the same Lord;6there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.7To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.8To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; d9to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit;10to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues.e a) Every gift from God is good and desirable. b) Tongues was a common experience in the apostolic Church. 2. Tongues is important as a gift of prayer. a) Prayer is one of the most basic components of the life of a Christian. We all want to experience prayer in a more powerful way. b) Tongues connects us directly to God. 1 Cor 14:2 . For one who speaks in a tongue does not
speak to human beings but to God, for no one listens; he utters mysteries in spirit.

c) Tongues allows us to pray with our spirit and not merely with our mind. 1 Cor 14:14. 3

[For] if I pray in a tongue, my spirit* is at prayer but my mind is unproductive.

3. Tongues is important because it helps build up the body of Christ. a) It is an important ministry in the Church, a ministry designated by God Himself. 1 Cor 12:28. Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; * second, prophets;
third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.j

b) Ministries in the Church are designed to build up the body. Eph 4:11-12.

And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, i12to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,* for building up the body of Christ,

D. What is the value of tongues for us personally? 1. Tongues gives us a new dimension in prayer. It can revolutionize our prayer life. a) It gives us a greater awareness of God's presence. 1 Cor 14:2,14. For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to human beings but to God, for no one listens; he utters mysteries in spirit.3On the other hand, one who prophesies does speak to human beings, for their building up,* encouragement, and solace.b4Whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but whoever prophesies builds up the church.5Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up. 6* Now, brothers, if I should come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I do you if I do not speak to you by way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or instruction?7Likewise, if inanimate things that produce sound, such as flute or harp, do not give out the tones distinctly, how will what is being played on flute or harp be recognized?8And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9Similarly, if you, because of speaking in tongues, do not utter intelligible speech, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be talking to the air.10It happens that there are many different languages in the world, and none is meaningless;11but if I do not know the meaning of a language, I shall be a foreigner to one who speaks it, and one who speaks it a foreigner to me.12So with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the church. Need for Interpretation.*13Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray to be able to interpret.14[For] if I pray in a tongue, my spirit* is at prayer but my mind is unproductive. * Our spirit connects with God's spirit.

b) We pray more profoundly, even without realizing it. 1 Cor 14:2 "he utters mysteries in spirit".For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to human beings but to God, for no one
listens; he utters mysteries in spirit.

c) When we are no longer able to express ourselves as we encounter the overwhelming glory and majesty of God, the Spirit itself helps us in our prayer. Rom 8:26 . In the
same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

d) We are able to intercede for what we need to live according to God's will, even when we may not know what this is. Rom 8:27. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the
intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to Gods will.t

2. Tongues builds us up, edifies us. 1 Cor 14:4a. Whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but 4

whoever prophesies builds up the church.

3. Tongues has a transforming effect on one's spiritual life. a) Tongues is often the gateway to the charismatic dimension. It gives us a spiritual breakthrough. We enter into a new spiritual realm. b) Many experience a deeper faith and a deeper working of God in one's life. E. Some pastoral notes. 1. Tongues is important, but we need to see it in its proper place. a) The baptism in the Holy Spirit, with its manifestation of tongues, is not needed for salvation. Salvation comes through the cross of Christ. b) Many Christians experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives without experiencing the gift of tongues. * Consider the apostles and disciples sent on mission by Jesus and performing signs and wonders, all prior to Pentecost and their receiving the gift of tongues.

2. Tongues is important, but it should not be overemphasized. a) It is only one aspect of our life of faith. It is not the focal point of our faith. * There are more important things. 1 Cor 14:18-19. I give thanks to God that I speak in
tongues more than any of you,19but in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, so as to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

b) Love is the most important. 1 Cor 13:1. If I speak in human and angelic tongues* but do not
have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.a

Unlike tongues, love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8.

Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.

3. Given the above, still tongues is important and desirable, since it results in further blessings and more power for the Christian life. F. How do we receive the gift of tongues? 1. If we are to receive the gift of tongues, we should first of all desire it. a) God will never force anything on us, even if He knows it is for our good. b) Paul advises us: "Pursue love, but strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts" (1 Cor 14:1).
Pursue love, but strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy.a

2. Desiring it, we should then ask for it in faith. a) Mt 7:7-11. This is God's promise. If we ask, then God will give. It involves our act, and God's response. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you.f8For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.g9Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,*10or a snake when he asks for a fish?11If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.h

b) We should be like little children with childlike faith. 3. Then we yield to and cooperate with God's Spirit. a) We open our mouth and speak out. * * We lay aside any known language, and just speak out. It may be "la,la,la" or "ba,ba,ba" or "alleluia" or any other syllable or sound. God will shape these sounds into a language of prayer and praise.

b) We focus on Christ and not on the words. * "My Spirit is at prayer but my mind is unproductive" (1 Cor 14:14).
in a tongue, my spirit* is at prayer but my mind is unproductive. [For] if I pray

G. Obstacles to receiving the gift of tongues. 1. Fear. a) Fear of looking foolish (1 Cor 14:23), of being taken over and losing control, of the unknown. So if the whole church meets in one place and everyone speaks in tongues, and then
uninstructed people or unbelievers should come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?f

b) Antidote: Trust in God. God will not do anything to us which will not be beneficial for us. 2. Doubt. a) Doubt regarding the desirability and usefulness of the gift. b) Antidote: In faith, accept that any gift from God is good and desirable. 3. Feeling of unworthiness. a) Being a sinner, or just being a baby in Christ, we may think that the gift is reserved for those more worthy.

b) Antidote: Know that the gift is not based on one's worth or on good works. Rather, it is a free gift of God for every Christian who desires and asks for it. 4. Pride. a) Thinking that we do not need this gift, that we are already doing well in our Christian life without it. b) Antidote: Humble yourself, realizing how far you still are from the righteousness and holiness of God, and how utterly dependent you are on His grace and His gifts. 5. Wrong expectations or attitudes. a) An attitude of waiting on God for something to happen without doing our part. One may even just sit there with mouth closed and arms crossed, saying that if God wants to give the gift, then He will. * Reality: God does not force us. We need to cooperate. Open your mouth and speak out.

b) Expecting to have a very dramatic and emotional experience (e.g., trembling, distorting of mouth, etc.). * Reality: While you may have an emotional experience, it is not necessarily to be expected. There may be no extraordinary experiences or emotions at all.

c) Trying to psych oneself up. * Proper attitude: Just relax. This way the gift will flow more easily.

d) Unwillingness to experience the unknown, or something totally new, or something illogical. * Proper attitude: Know that while there are things we believe in because we understand, in our life of faith there are things we have to believe in even before we can understand.

H. Conclusion. 1. God loves us so much that He wants to pour upon us His bountiful grace and gifts. 2. One important gift is the gift of speaking in tongues. This gift is important for personal edification, for building up our community in CFC, and for opening us up for greater empowerment for our mission. 3. God wants to give you the gift of tongues. Desire it as well and accept His gift.

COUPLES FOR CHRIST TONGUES WORKSHOP Procedure for the workshop proper: 1. Explain what is going to happen. * * * * We will sing a song and go into simultaneous praising. We will sing another song and will start to praise in tongues. We will continue to sing songs and praise in tongues after every song. During this time, people may be laying hands on you and helping you to yield to tongues. We will also sing worship songs that will lead us to singing in tongues.

2. Start the worship. * The music ministry continues to play songs, followed by loud praise and tongues. Shorter songs are preferable (don't repeat verses as we normally would) to give more opportunity for praising. A joyful noise of guitars, tambourines and other instruments should accompany the times of praising.

3. The team members move around the crowd to pray with and encourage those who are not yet praying in tongues. 4. The leader may intersperse the singing with short but vibrant prayers of praise in order to encourage the participants to enter more deeply into the throne room of God and give Him praise. 5. When all have received the gift of tongues, or after some time even when not all have spoken in tongues, the leader ends the worship time with a prayer of thanksgiving to God and a prayer for continuing empowerment for the participants. 6. Close with an exhortation. * * They should use the gift of tongues regularly--in personal prayer, in household meetings, in prayer assemblies and in other CFC activities whenever appropriate. They should continue to trust God for this gift, and look forward to how it will open up a new exciting dimension in their prayer life.

COUPLES FOR CHRIST TONGUES WORKSHOP Procedure for the WORKSHOP FOR BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: 1. Explain step-by-step the suggested procedure as described in our CLP Team Manual. 2. Group the participants into groups of 5 persons each, with men separate from women. Ask the groups to assign one person as prayer leader, one as prayer partner, another as the person being prayed over, and the last two as observers. They spend about 10 to 15 minutes in the pray-over. 3. After the pray-over, the members of each group should have a discussion on the dynamics. The observers comment on what they observed. Was there any portion in the procedure that was missed? 4. The leader calls all the participants together for the wrap-up session. He entertains any questions from the participants. He makes some comments of his own, if any. For example, did they take too long to pray over?

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