Bible Study: Is Speaking in Tongues Still for Today?
- Boundless Team
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever sat in a church service and heard someone pray in a language you didn't recognize, you probably had a lot of questions. Is that biblical? Is it for everyone? Most importantly, is speaking in tongues still something God does today?
Yes, speaking in tongues is a biblical gift that continues today. According to the Assemblies of God and the New Testament, it serves as the "initial physical evidence" of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, empowering believers for a deeper life of prayer, worship, and bold witness.
The Mystery and the Majesty of the Spirit
For many people, the topic of "tongues" feels a bit like the deep end of the swimming pool. It’s mysterious, maybe a little intimidating, and often surrounded by a lot of noise. But when we look at the heart of Scripture, we find that the Holy Spirit wasn’t given to confuse us, He was given to comfort, lead, and empower us.
At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that the same Holy Spirit who fell on the Day of Pentecost is still moving in the 901 and around the globe through Boundless Online Church. Whether you are skeptical, curious, or seeking a deeper walk with God, understanding this gift starts with looking at the Word of God as our final authority.
What is Speaking in Tongues?
Before we dive into the "why" and "how," let’s define what we are actually talking about. In a biblical context, speaking in tongues is a supernatural gift where a believer speaks in a language they have never learned.
Term | Biblical Definition |
Baptism in the Holy Spirit | A post-salvation experience where a believer is filled with the Spirit for power and service (Acts 1:8). |
Speaking in Tongues | A Spirit-inspired utterance in a language unknown to the speaker, used for prayer, praise, or a message to the church. |
Initial Physical Evidence | The first outward sign (speaking in tongues) that someone has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. |
Edification | The process of being built up, strengthened, or encouraged spiritually. |
Is it Biblical? Looking at the Evidence
Some people believe that the "supernatural" gifts of the Spirit died out with the last Apostle. This view is called cessationism. However, at FA Memphis, we follow the continuationist view, which is the cornerstone of the Assemblies of God doctrine. We believe that God doesn't change, and His gifts haven't expired.
1. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)
In the very first chapter of Acts, Jesus told His followers to wait for the "promise of the Father." In Acts 2:4, it happened: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This wasn't just a one-time trick; it was the birth of the Church.
2. The Pattern in the Book of Acts
Throughout the Book of Acts, we see a consistent pattern. When people were baptized in the Holy Spirit, there was an outward sign.
The Household of Cornelius (Acts 10): Even Peter was surprised when the Holy Spirit fell on Gentiles, but he knew it was real because "they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God."
The Disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19): When Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Why the Assemblies of God Perspective Matters
As an Assemblies of God (AG) church, we hold to the 16 Fundamental Truths. Two of these truths focus specifically on this experience:
Why do we call it "initial evidence"? Think of it like a graduation ceremony. Receiving your diploma is the evidence that you finished your studies, but the diploma isn't the point of the education, the knowledge and the career that follows are the point. In the same way, speaking in tongues is the "initial evidence" that you’ve been immersed in the Spirit, but the goal is a life of power, holiness, and witness.
How to Pray in the Holy Spirit
One of the most common questions we get at our Cordova campus or in our Boundless online community is: "How do I actually pray in the Spirit?"
Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 14:14, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful." Praying in the Spirit is a way to communicate with God when your human words run out.
Steps to seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit:
Ardent Expectancy: Desire the gift! Jesus said if we ask for the Holy Spirit, the Father will give Him to us (Luke 11:13).
Submit and Surrender: Being "filled" requires being "emptied" of our own control.
Faithful Utterance: The Holy Spirit gives the "utterance," but you do the speaking. It requires a step of faith to open your mouth and let the Spirit lead your voice.
Focus on Jesus: The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus. This isn't about a "feeling"; it's about a relationship.
Common Misconceptions vs. Truth
Because this topic is so experiential, there are often a lot of myths floating around. Let's clear some up:
Misconception #1: "If I don't speak in tongues, I'm not saved." The Truth: This is absolutely false. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a subsequent experience, it's an "extra" gift for those who are already following Jesus.
Misconception #2: "Tongues are only for the elite 'super-Christians.'" The Truth: In Acts 2, it says "All of them" were filled. God is not a respecter of persons. This gift is available to every child of God, regardless of age or background.
Misconception #3: "It’s just emotional babble." The Truth: While it can be emotional, it is a spiritual exercise. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:4 that the person who speaks in tongues "edifies himself." It is a way for your spirit to be strengthened and built up.
Why Should You Want This Gift?
You might be thinking, "I’m doing okay as a Christian; why do I need this?"
Living the Christian life in 2026 is hard. Between the news, personal anxieties, and the pressure of daily life, we need more than just "good advice." We need power.
Power for Witness: To tell your coworkers and neighbors about Jesus with boldness.
Power for Prayer: To pray when you don't even know what to ask for (Romans 8:26).
Power for Worship: To enter into a deeper level of intimacy with your Creator.
Your Next Step: Connection and Prayer
Whether you are right here in Memphis, Bartlett, or Arlington, or you are joining us from across the ocean via Boundless, we want to help you take your next step. You don't have to figure out the "Holy Spirit stuff" on your own.
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901 area, we would love to welcome you in person to experience a Spirit-filled community: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area, traveling, or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community for discipleship and connection: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
Life Takeaway: The Holy Spirit isn't a "force": He is a Person. He wants to walk with you, talk with you, and empower you. Don't let fear or confusion keep you from the "promise of the Father." Open your heart today and ask, "Holy Spirit, fill me afresh."
Closing Question: Have you ever felt like your prayer life was "stuck," and are you ready to ask God for the empowerment He promised?
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