@Ewoma45, even Apostle Paul said when he prayed in tongues, he didn't know what he was saying. See 1Cor 14:14. But he was speakin of tongues as a sign. See also Mark 16:17. But understand that when you use the gift of tongues(which is not for everyone) you need to have it interpreted because its not for praying, its a message. So praying in tongues is only compulsory for believers. Pls read my earlier posts.

aku626: I believe no christian can speak in tongues if he is not filled with the Holy Ghost, and it is something that comes upon you not just another language.

How about churches that teach people how to speak in tongues, which spirit is leading them?

Edoblakky I nuh get strenght to read epistle pls

FearGodAndLive:
Good day Brother, speaking in tongues is not compulsory for Christians. Remember my advice to you earlier. Do not get involved in arguments that do not add to your salvation.

Speaking in tongues, prophecy etc are all gifts that the Lord willingly chooses to give to each one according to His purpose not ours. Remember to focus on the most important..

1 Corinthians 12
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

The next chapter is a lesson for all of us: Learn to love for that's all you need to be Christian.

God's grace be with you.

God bless you.
I love this as this is what scripture teaches.

Zatwo: I want to know if speaking in tongues is compulsory for Christians. Whats d benefit? and wat wuld happen if a christian chooses not to

No.its no longer useful today. It was for a purpose when it first happened and that purpose was to enable parthians, Medes, elamites and inhabitants of mesopotamia who came for the passover to understand what the 120 in the upper room were saying. Recall Christianity was at its infancy and fledgling and that was an opportunity to propound it to people from every nation under the heavens. See Acts Chapter 2: 6 to 8. Today when people pretend to speak in tongues they don't know what they are saying and no body, I mean no body else understands the gibberish they seem to be saying. In summary, its at best a make belief and indeed an object of self aggrandizement to create impression that the speaker is full of the holy spirit. Another way Christianity is gradually steeped at defrauding non discerning followers. Other means include miracles etc.

Speaking in tongues is a gift from God(1cor 12:10). And it is also a promise from Jesus Christ to as many that believe in Him(Mark 16:17).
It is also a sign of Holy Ghost Baptism(act 2:4). If you don't speak in tongues, you better and ask God for it. if any one is not born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God(John 3:5). And the evidence is Speaking in tongues.
And ask God for understanding about speaking in tongues.

FearGodAndLive:
Good day Brother, speaking in tongues is not compulsory for Christians. Remember my advice to you earlier. Do not get involved in arguments that do not add to your salvation.

Speaking in tongues, prophecy etc are all gifts that the Lord willingly chooses to give to each one according to His purpose not ours. Remember to focus on the most important..

1 Corinthians 12
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

The next chapter is a lesson for all of us: Learn to love for that's all you need to be Christian.

God's grace be with you.

i agree wit u,its a gift from God so we are not compelled to speak in tongue while praying. To know more about the gifts visit ur bible and open to #1corinthians chapter12.stay blessed.happy Sunday to u all

FearGodAndLive:
Good day Brother, speaking in tongues is not compulsory for Christians. Remember my advice to you earlier. Do not get involved in arguments that do not add to your salvation.

Speaking in tongues, prophecy etc are all gifts that the Lord willingly chooses to give to each one according to His purpose not ours. Remember to focus on the most important..

1 Corinthians 12
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

The next chapter is a lesson for all of us: Learn to love for that's all you need to be Christian.

God's grace be with you.

i agree wit u,its a gift from God so we are not compelled to speak in tongue while praying. To know more about the gifts visit ur bible and open to #1corinthians chapter12.stay blessed.happy Sunday to u all

Centere bondareke kindrabagada bonda santa yaborii, makasupre kondo sata yaba... U can learn from dis one if u dnt knw how to speak

FearGodAndLive:
Good day Brother, speaking in tongues is not compulsory for Christians. Remember my advice to you earlier. Do not get involved in arguments that do not add to your salvation.

Speaking in tongues, prophecy etc are all gifts that the Lord willingly chooses to give to each one according to His purpose not ours. Remember to focus on the most important..

1 Corinthians 12
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

The next chapter is a lesson for all of us: Learn to love for that's all you need to be Christian.

God's grace be with you.

TOLD DEM!

FearGodAndLive:
Good day Brother, speaking in tongues is not compulsory for Christians. Remember my advice to you earlier. Do not get involved in arguments that do not add to your salvation.

Speaking in tongues, prophecy etc are all gifts that the Lord willingly chooses to give to each one according to His purpose not ours. Remember to focus on the most important..

1 Corinthians 12
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

The next chapter is a lesson for all of us: Learn to love for that's all you need to be Christian.

God's grace be with you.

TOLD DEM!

To the OP and others who (without any prejudice) want to get enlightened about the mystery of speaking in tongues, take out quality time to read the entire new testament while praying along for God to grant you insight. Nairaland might just leave you more confused than ever, especially on issues as this that are spiritually rooted.
However to give a head start on it (though not as a shortcut to making your own spiritual research), I would like you to read 1 cor. and 2 cor. closely. The very 1st verse of chapter 13 speaks volume, that there are 2 kinds of tongues spoken by christians -tongues of men (all the languages of men) and tongues of angels (a tongue also spoken by christians yet not traceable to any human language). It is the tongues of angels that Paul referred to in 1cor 14v14, that's why he says " for if I PRAY in tongues my spirit prays", and not "if I SPEAK in tongues", because at that instance he was not referring to the gift of men's language that is used to aid the gospel in the midst of foreigners. Rather he was referring to the tongues which is just a communication between man and His God, which niether himself or any other man around listening will make meaning from. So when you look closely you'll see that when he meant tongues as a sign to unbelievers he would use the word "speak" and not "pray".
By the way, folks who have once being in the occult and are now born again christians easily understand the mystery of "praying" in tongues, because some of them communicated with spiritual beings (fallen angels) in their old practices. It is just a spiritual practice that draws the human being to spirit beings, only that when a true christian practices it he attracts the Holy Spirit of God unlike an unbeliever who will attract demons if he attempts it.
To answer you question from my own experience, I think christianity is difficult to practice without spiritual strength (eg, like holding on to God in faith during moments of trials, etc), and it is such practice as praying in tongues that enpowers a christian to stand strong. So to me it's necessary. The neglect of it today (probably due to a lack of understanding about it) explains why the average christian is eaily tossed about like a reed both in times of trials and in issues of faith.

WARNING: The above thoughts are strictly mine and is not meant to spark any form of arguement with anyone. And the advice to the OP and 'others' as I used above is just a suggestion .
Happy sunday you all.

from the first two comments i think it is not compulsory but necessary for a christain

Joagbaje:

It's just like asking if prayer is compulsory . That's my answer. It's a
necessity for every christian . Your life is in the holyghost . You
must develop relationship with him through prayer and fellowship . The
more you do ,the more he unfolds God purpose in your life.

Secondly your understanding is limited in prayer . But the holyghost who
is author of your life knows all things ,he helps you pray perfectly
according to the will if God when you pray in the spirit

Romans 8:26
-- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not
what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Thirdly it's a way to build yourself in faith and in the love of God

Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying
in the Holy Ghost,


If you read the book of acts ,you will see that the most important
experience after salvation is being filled with the holyghost and the
first evidence is speaking in tongues and prophesying

nikrabaya totarewaautuu breshka. halleluyah. develop ur selfs even to typing in tongues

I believe that current speaking in tongues practiced in today's greedy church's is just a way of delusion. The speaking in tongues in the bible was the apostles speaking a particular language that people understands. Not just making noise like pagans or making sounds like animals which is what today's pastors and their deluded members do.

Mathew 6:5-15
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

The vain words and heathenish repetitions which we are here warned against, are most dangerous, and yet very common; which is a principal cause why so many, who still profess religion, are a disgrace to it. Indeed all the words in the world are not equivalent to one holy desire. And the very best prayers are but vain words and repetitions, if they are not the language of the heart.

speakin in tongues is an evidence of u being a christian.

. Yes!Yes!Yes! it is compulsory but not the parameters for salvation....Jesus said "These signs shall follow them that believe they shall cast out devils,heal the sick ,SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES..." ....Apostle Paul by the Spirit latet wrote to Jude "Building up yourself on your most Holy Faith praying in the Holy Ghost" Jude1:20 ....He told the Corinthian church "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself...." so just for you to know speaking in tongue is a language of the Spirit and if you one to grow and show you are a Christian....You gotta speak in tongues....Apostle Paul even said its a sign to an unbeliever

To be a successful and impartful christain, a christain who would live the life that Christ wants for us(a life of miracles,signs,wonders, a daily walk and intimate relatnshp with God), we need the baptism of the holy spirit...whosoever who is filled with the holy spirit will definately speak in tongues(its an evidence of the baptism of d holy spirit).

THE RIGHT QUESTION WOULD RATHER BE "IS IT COMPULSORY AS A CHRISTAIN TO BE BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT"

My Bible tells me tongues are known languages not gibberish my brother.
yes bro...i only hope he is not talking about speaking gibberish[/quote]

hmm like i said to b a christian is not an easy job. like today in church my pastor talked about us giving all our attention to ourselves and forgetting God, he used example of if we feel pains den we call God, n yet we have been thought to always call upon him in times of need.

but i must say i believe in speaking in tongues just like the bible said it edifies the body. before in pray i do few worship songs n den pray with my understanding buh wen i start speaking in tongues is as if am seeing God. it works for me makes my prayer go well.

dazzy4real: hmm like i said to b a christian is not an easy job. like today in church my pastor talked about us giving all our attention to ourselves and forgetting God, he used example of if we feel pains den we call God, n yet we have been thought to always call upon him in times of need.

but i must say i believe in speaking in tongues just like the bible said it edifies the body. before in pray i do few worship songs n den pray with my understanding buh wen i start speaking in tongues is as if am seeing God. it works for me makes my prayer go well.

God bless you bro... What i want is for people to share the GREAT experience and testimony of having a LIVING relatnshp with GOD.

Speaking in tounges was like BALDERDASH to me(when my mother prays) but not until i recievd the baptism of the Holy Spirit. So i'm nt surprised at wat pple ar sayin here. Jst pray they experience God

It is not compulsory but it is very important for a christian that desire a healthy and strong spiritual life to speak in tongues. It also important for building up our faith [JUDE 1:20].

Young man, speaking in tongue is not compulsory. That act is a gift from the holy spirit, it chooses who to give and who not to give. If it does not give you or me where then does it become compulsory. We have different gifts from the holy spirit, the holy spirit gives different gifts to different people. infact Paul once said, "there is no point in trying to speak in tongue when the other brothers and sisters can not understand you." i want to tell you that speaking in tongue is not necessary, so if you are gifted in that area, go ahead and use it.
**********************

So this thing people say "ablabla blah blah ba ba ba ta ta ta" is speaking in tongue. If you are speaking in tongue there must one on earth who will understand the language like in the time of Peter.

I no dey read bible everyday, but i no say the gift of the holy ghost are many. Some people have 1, some 3 4 while other have all, speaking in tongues is not a must beside most people that claim to speak in tongues cant even explain wat they are saying. And the gift to interpret tongues i will say better work together with speaking in tongues, as it will help understand wertin u dey talk. Note: only few people hav this gift

It doesnt makes sense at all

Adaeze003: 1cor 14:2 for he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto GOD : for NO MAN understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

@op not sure of the ans. This is for those babbling here.

..why did u nt read dwn cor 14:6..Now brothers and sisters.if i come to you and speak tongues,what good wil i be to you,unless i bring you some Revelation or Knowledge or Prophecy or word of instruction?..7.even in the case lifeless that mak sound,such as the pipe or harp,hw wil any1 knw what tune is being playd unless there is a Distinction in the Notes..

Nigerians of the Xtian persuasion, if this nonsense in uttering incoherent sounds (certainly not a language in any sense) doesn't convince you that Xtianity is not the religion of the one true God, then you're brainwashed so deeply that you've lost common sense.

Stop this idol worship filled with practices of pagan origin, and return to the true monotheist religion of Islam.

I'm not saying no part of the Xtian teachings is good, but the fact is that it grossly represents the nature of God, and promotes an unhealthy and inappropriate veneration of the prophet Isa (Xtian refer him as "Jesus"), which he himself would have disapproved vehemently.

FearGodAndLive:
Good day Brother, speaking in tongues is not compulsory for Christians. Remember my advice to you earlier. Do not get involved in arguments that do not add to your salvation.

Speaking in tongues, prophecy etc are all gifts that the Lord willingly chooses to give to each one according to His purpose not ours. Remember to focus on the most important..

1 Corinthians 12
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

The next chapter is a lesson for all of us: Learn to love for that's all you need to be Christian.

God's grace be with you.

You have said it all

Zatwo: I want to know if speaking in tongues is compulsory for Christians. Whats d benefit? and wat wuld happen if a christian chooses not to

its jst like asking if athletes need to gym... This is a misleading qstn because whosoever is baptised by d holy spirit will definately speak in tongues...the right qstn woule av bn "IS IT COMPULSORY FOR CHRISTAINS TO BE BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT"

Well back to praying in tongues, it used to sound like RUBBISH (it irritated) to me...not until i recievd d baptism of the holy spirit

emma_best2000: You have said it all

even the true love of God is possible only thru d baptism of the Holy spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no
law.

Speakn in tongues or nt,if ur hrt isn't like dt of a child,u r on a looong tin!! If u speak in tongue & dnt sacrifice 4 d needy while I dnt speak & help d poor,I'm a bta christian dan u r...if d world cums 2 an 'end' at dis early 'time'' speakn in tongues won't help u meet heaven.