OK seriously frustrated with churches,..what are your thought on speaking in tongues?

I have an unpopular opinion, but I will share it with you because I think you're sincere. I became a Christian 4 years ago because of the testimony of the Holy Spirit of the lordship of Jesus Christ. This could be considered a "charismatic" experience, because it happened according to the spirit. I also experienced a healing, which is also a "charismatic" experience. These things happened directly by the Holy Spirit; they did not happen in a church or because other people were with me. I was as surprised as anybody would be; I was an atheist before this.

So I decided to check out some Charismatic churches, and I was very disappointed. As a new Christian, it took me some time to figure out exactly what bothered me about them. What bothers me about Charismatic churches is that they are trying to prove their testimony (and to show off spiritually) by having these pseudo-religious experiences. I found by observation that many of these people were very unfulfilled in their private lives; they were in bondage to sexual sins, gluttony, drugs, domestic violence and other things; and these churches rarely gave much attention to studying the Bible and taking it seriously as a guide for life and faith. My concern is that there is a spirit of witchcraft in many charismatic churches, because spirits will trick gullible (and sinful) people into believing in these "manifestations" rather than in Jesus; and then these same spirits will lead people into destruction through various means. The fundamental sin is that these people think they can force God's hand into providing these signs; Jesus said spiritually adulterous people seek signs.

I also attended some other denominations, non-charismatic ones--such as Baptist churches. They were just dry and dead. People weren't engaged, not with each other, not with the Lord. There were very little love or friendship. In fact, they acted a lot like my non-Christian friends, but they went to church, and some of them professed faith in Jesus. However, when pressed, many people were vague on the details of their testimony. Most of them were very uncomfortable with the story of my conversion to Christianity, and most of them did not share the enthusiasm I have for the Gospel. These people did not believe in any sort or miracles; twice I was kicked out of a church because I said I believed in these miracles. Miracles are for the strengthening of faith and because people need them, not because you're having a religious show. I think you can figure out the difference on your own.

By the way, I am amused by your characterization of churches as "Trump seminars." By that I'm sure you're talking about the word-faith movement, which has taken over many churches. This movement has the same error as the other charismatics, which is, they're trying to prove themselves through the manifestation of miracles. In the case of the word-faith-ers, the proof is money and success; for the mainstream charismatics, it's usually speaking in tongues. Had God intended us to speak in tongues as the main evidence of our salvation, Jesus and the Bible would have made it very clear to us, because God doesn't want anybody to be lost.

The problem is, and I'll speak from experience, you'll probably never talk any sense into any of these charismatics or mainstream "Christians." And they love to argue about scriptures, which the Bible also says is improper.

After a couple years of this nonsense, I became quite sad. Then I realized that the Word says that in the last days, people will become more apostate, more sinful, and churches will be full of pastors who are fleecing the sheep (ripping them off), and that people won't even be willing to listen to the truth.

Sound familiar?

What do you do then? I have a few suggestions. Say a brief prayer of thanks that God has preserved you with a truthful testimony of Jesus. Ask Him to help you retain this. Ask to be protected from deception, and to know the truth more fully. Be sure to read the Bible frequently from a translation you understand.

Now I know you want some fellowship. I will be honest and tell you that you won't find it in a "church." You are going to have to re-create church in a more honest and simple manner. I recommend that you start a home fellowship. Have like-minded people over, share a meal, read the Bible together, talk about it some, sing some songs, and pray. The early Christians met in homes, not in these buildings called churches. Your focus needs to be on Jesus Christ, not this other stuff. You have nothing to prove, but you have a testimony to share. These people should become your friends. They should not be people you see only at your fellowship.

There are many websites that concern themselves with the home church movement. I suggest you look at some of these (keeping in mind that many home churches teach falsehoods too), and either find a home fellowship in your area, or start one. Here's a website I think is okay: www.homechurchhelp.com. One website I do not recommend is www.theearlychurch.com, as it teaches some odd things beneath the happy-happy surface.

Best wishes and Christ's blessings on your faith and your fellowship.

LOL sweety the Pentecostal churches aren't for everyone. If "normal" is what you are looking for, any of the mainstream churches (Baptist,Methodist,Lutheran etc...) should suit you.

Tongues are scriptural. I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit But Paul said that tongues was the least of the gifts, a sign to the unbeliever. look at the book of acts, on the day of Pentecost the church members received the gift of tongues and began preaching in languages they didn't speak or understand. The crowds observing this were of all nationalities, and were amazed that these Jews could speak clearly to them in their own language, not even knowing what they were saying.

I got frustrated with the churches I went to also. It reminded me of the scouts where they were trying to get the Holy merit badge. And speaking in tongues, as well as the other manifestations of the Holy Spirit all to often become the focus of the church, not an aid to spreading the gospel as they were intended. They mean well, but like you seeing "Holy Laughter" "Holy happy feet" etc.. was a bit much. Paul said to seek the giver, and the gifts would come. You happen to be in a part of the country where there has always been a strong Christian presence, and many Christians are looking for, well for lack of a better term, a spiritual energy drink. Hang in there, keep searching. You will find the church that's right for you. The reason there are so many different ones is that it seems people have a great deal of difficulty reading the very same simple text and coming to the same conclusion. And remember that God doesn't live in a building, he is always with you.

One thing better than a con is a bigger con....& people of all religions will be forced to face this when the New World Order pulls the plug on all religions except this new one they dreamed up.

Believe its already being prepared for & it is these preparatory changes that you have mention you noticed in those churches.

The NWO want a ONE WORLD RELIGION (look it up)

Those responsible include the leaders of Mormans also, sorry to say.

Will you think about this (because you had the willingness & the courage to look at other religions) Instead of looking to an invisable god that you will make a project of looking for YOUR go(o)d.

When you look to give your faith to something outside yourself you lose sight of self.

When you cant believe in YOUR GOOD this undermines your inner strength.

Now take a look at Isaiah (cant find my bible) where it says I am the lord (law) there is none beside (else but me) I make the light I create darkness. I make the good & create evil I the (law)

do all these things.

Now look at: According to your faith (belief) be it done unto you.

By your word you will be justified ...& condemned & many more, boil down to a LAW of REAPING AS YOU SOW.

The LAW of reaping as you sow spells that one atom touches another casing an action & reaction.

Our lives, attitudes beliefs etc touch causing action & reaction.

It is not my intention to offend or even to change what you think I am simply showing you another way to see same things.

I am much older & found books by Catherine Ponder & Dr Joseph Murphy these days younger people like Louise Hay's HEAL YOURSELF & more of her books.

Imagine the mind as a garden & thoughts as seeds....food plant...

& weeds, which choke out the food. Weeding the garden & reaping of the food seeds we plant, dwell on (fertilize & water & they grow & bear fruit.(we & only we choosethe seeds we dwell on)

Most peoples minds are brimming with sloppy negative self destructive habitual thought patterns its no wonder we get into trouble, become miserable & ill.

Most dont think about weeding out those that can harm us.

That most people interpret talking in tongues to be talking gibberish. If you read the bible about when the apostles were given the holy spirit, they began preaching. Even though they spoke in their own language, those who did not understood every word they said. THAT is what is meant by talking in tongues. I don't think it is normal anymore because people take to believing it is something else and don't believe in the true way. It is not a church thing, but a spiritual gift.

Some people are just not comfortable with spirit filled Christian churches, pentecostals, charismatics and the like. I went to a college like this. Prayer ambushs were rather like drinking interventions there. I think its possible to take such things just a bit far. Anyway, Id say look for a church that is comfortable for you and go. If it doesnt feel right, dont go.

Sorrys for you! That tongue thing seems warped up to me...I don't believe God would manifest Himself in anyway as of right now for the sake of other people seeing Him...so it's probably fakish...

If you hate churches then that seriously bites, and I would pray at my house until I found a good church....

Best of luck mate!!!

I would recommend that you perform a simple Google search through the internet. Search different religions and find one that you can buy into. I was baptized Roman Catholic when I was born. I was raised Roman Catholic and at the age of fifteen converted to plain old Christianity. After I began my Sophomore year in high school I was enlightened by the truth, and became an Agnostic Unitarian. This means that I am totally indifferent about religious beliefs, but I believe in a free-willed and independent search for any philosophical/religious question that one might ponder. I believe that one may search for the meaning of life, for example, by whichever means they choose. I will not disclose any of my specific beliefs, as some might find them offensive. Also, speaking in tongues is simply a different interpretation of the Holy Bible (Christianity). It is by no means an incorrect interpretation, as no interpretation of scripture is ever able to be deemed incorrect. I would recommend Unitarian Churches or Buddhist Temples. The both are extremely liberal and promote benevolence as their primary prerogative.

Churches are like ice cream-they come in all different flavors.

Just because you like chocolate doesn't make strawberry bad.

If you're interested in finding a home, keep looking until you find the right one. When you do, the Spirit will let you know.

Oh my god that is weired. It reminds me of the t.v. sermans where the preacher says that he has the healing powers of the lord.

Try going to a small church, and if that doesn't work then praise in the comfort of your own hokme.

The dead sea scrolls said lift a rock and you will find me, split a peice of wood and I am there.

You don't have to go to a stone structure to worship, God is everywhere.

Suposidly speaking in toungs is when you speak the old languages of that day.

No I really don't believe anyone ( who hasn't studied the languages) can speak in toungs

Please don't give up on church fellowship; it's a very important part of Christian life and growth. Keep on looking till you find a solid Bible-believing congregation and preacher. You're praying for help, aren't you? You should be. God will help you find a church home if you are patient and persistent.

As for tongues, some churches put great emphasis on speaking in tongues as a "proof" of rebirth in the Holy Spirit. Please don't fall for that; it's completely un-Biblical.

God bless you!