Message from the Monthly Flyer from September 2010

THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST Why did God choose tongues? (Part 3)

COMPLETE CONTROL
The speaking in tongues symbolizes God's complete control of the believer. Perhaps this is one of the most outstanding reasons why God chose speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of the Holy Ghost baptism. James gives us more information about the tongue than any writer in the New Testament. This teaching is very revealing about the nature of the tongue. (Read the third chapter of James.) First, the tongue is capable of defiling the whole body. If it is capable of this action, is it incredible to claim that it also is capable of sanctifying the whole body? Second, though it is a small member, it has never been tamed of mankind. It is the most unruly member of the body. If this be true about the tongue, would it not be necessary that it be tamed before the whole body could be consecrated to God? James illustrated the importance of the tongue by comparing it to the bit in a horse's mouth which gives the driver complete control over the horse. Also, the helm of a large vessel gives the governor full command of the ship. The comparison is that whoever controls the tongue of a man, controls him. The tongue takes on great importance when we understand these things.

YOU CANNOT TAME IT YOURSELF; ONLY GOD CAN DO THIS. In Matt. 12:29 Jesus tells us that before you can enter a strong man's house and spoil or plunder his goods, you must first bind the strong man.

The STRONG MAN OF YOUR HOUSE IS YOUR TONGUE. That is what James declares. You can tame every member of your body but this one. When God tames your tongue, you are under the control of the great God of the heavens, you are in the hands of the Almighty and conquered by Christ, you are endued with a spiritual force from on high and empowered for His service.

MAN'S GREATEST EXPRESSION
The tongue is man's greatest expression of his spirit. Man is a spiritual creature; he is emotional. Because he is emotional, he must give expression to these emotions. The ability and power to co-ordinate thought and tongue into intelligent speech is one of the highest prerogatives of man. This elevates him above the beast of the field. This makes him superior to any of God's creation. This is the most distinguishing feature of his being. The tongue becomes the vehicle of expression for the spirit. All of the emotions, such as love, hate, anger, sorrow, joy, happiness, relief, serenity are communicated through the tongue. It is the gateway to your heart, your feelings, your spirit and attitudes.
All these things being true, it is not difficult to see why God would use the speaking in tongues to express the greatest, most wonderful experience that mortal man could receive. In the baptism of the Holy Ghost, His Spirit and yours become one. He uses your tongue and voice to express it. It is a wonder of wonders, chosen not by man, but by God, the sovereign ruler of the universe. Why be found fighting against Him? Believe His Word, accept what He says and you too can receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38-39).

Act 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. F.E.K.