Jonathan Mohr

Tongues are a sign

Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers – 1 Corinthians 14:22 (New International Version)

The following account was related by my pastor during Sunday morning worship at Calvary Tabernacle. The story was originally shared by Jack Yonts, Founding Pastor of Bartlett United Pentecostal Church, during a recent meeting of ministerial leaders. As I found it very exciting, I share it here with you, my dear reader.

On a recent Sunday, Bartlett United Pentecostal Church in Bartlett, Ill., hosted Friend Day. The auditorium was packed with quite a number of first time guests. During the course of the worship service, the Holy Spirit began to manifest Himself in a powerful way.

Bartlett UPC’s Spanish-language pastor was present, and, as the Spirit moved, gave a message in tongues, as described in 1 Corinthians 14. In accordance with 1 Corinthians 14:27, Pastor Robert Boettcher followed with a Spirit-inspired  interpretation.

Later, a guest who knew the language noted that the Spanish-speaking pastor had shared his message in fluent Greek, and Pastor Boettcher’s interpretation had been exact. Neither the Spanish-speaking pastor nor Pastor Boettcher know how to speak the Greek language: their message and interpretation were completely Spirit-inspired.

The miraculous manifestations of the Spirit as described in the New Testament did not cease with the deaths of the Apostles. The only thing that prevents us from experiencing them today is our unbelief.

I choose to believe.