Hey SI,

Can anybody tell me the difference between counterfeit tongues and genuine tongues? The thing is, I have been praying in tongues, but sometimes doubt comes in and just gets me to wonder "Is this real? Is this genuine? " I have seen the Holy Spirit work in my life and even others around me and that when I pray in tongues my spirit becomes stronger. It really helps me to get focused in prayer. The reason I ask this is because I don't want to grieve or even blaspheme the Holy Spirit, yet at the same time, I'm not sure about these things (whether it's real or not). It was only very recent that tongues just shot out of my mouth and at first I thought it was kinda weird, but then I continued praying with this gift. But many times I'm still in doubt, and my tongues became weaker, which kind of got me to think, did the Holy Spirit take it away from me because of my doubts?

If anyone can help me here please? I know this subject can spark a lot of controversy on this forum, but I just need some feedback on this. Please brethren, don't argue over this post, I just need some answers. Thank you all! And please keep me in your prayers over this subject, I need some spiritual discernment.

In Christ,

- Michael Liao

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Michael Liao

Beloved Michael,
you wrote

Michael: From what you have said I would say the following:

1) What is happening fulfills a scriptural purpose of praying in tongues. When a man prays in tongues he edifies himself. You said you feel your spirit growing stronger through praying in tongues. Biblically that is what should be happening.

2) You focus in prayer is stronger. According to Paul's statements in 1 Cor. 2 the communion we have with the Holy Spirit should bring us to a place where we are more in tune to the Spirit of God. In fact, Paul is so strong as to say we have the very mind of Christ through communion with God through His Holy Spirit.

Praying in tongues is something that happens as most things in our walk with God, by faith. It is counter to human intuition to pray in tongues. We surrender ourselves in faith to the Holy Spirit dwelling in order for us to pray in tongues. So if I lack faith or have doubts, obviously there will be a weakness in me that causes me not to be able to receive the things of God as readily as I might.

So if I were you and had experienced what you described, and I have in the past, I would not worry about it. It sounds to me like you have received a genuine experience and the enemy is trying to make you doubt it and give up on it.

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Travis

amen to what Twayne testified, amen.

Brother,

How did you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? You recieved Him by faith. How did you receive the gift of tongues? The true gift of tongues is received by faith also.

"If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:11-13).

If you asked God for the gift of tongues then you do not have to fear that you have received a counterfeit. You said that as you pray in tongues that your spirit becomes stronger. This is the true gift of tongues because praying in the Spirit will strengthen and edify you.

"For one who speaks [prays] in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. . . He who speaks (prays) in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Now I want you all to speak (pray) in tongues, but even more to prophesy." (1 Corinthians 14:2–5)

"But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit." (Jude verse 20)

When you pray in tongues it is the Spirit that is giving you the utterance, and you are praying out of your spirit.

"For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful." (1 Corinthians 14:14).

Most of the false tongues that I have seen have been the result of man trying to force the issue. Like the brother who was coaching a seeker by having him repeat or mimic certain sounds.

Mike

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Mike

I'm glad this thread is here because it's something I've been struggling with lately as well.

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Lisa

Michael Liao... while there are probably some things we might disagree with on this topic, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your heart!

I wish more people (including myself many times) were as sensitive to the Lord as you are.

Krispy

Counterfeit; me speaking in tontues. Genuine; The Holy Spirit speaking through me as He wills, which has not occured as of yet, but the top of the list of gifts for me is the revelation of the Son of God in me. As Paul teaches always, "Christ in you the hope of glory". Col 1:27 Gal 2:20

In Christ: Phillip

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Phillip

hi, the bible says that they spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance so you do the speaking.a llot of the theology here sounds good but does not line up. who cares anyway...you answer for what you do and i the same...we are to flow together in love.jimp