Bible Study: Is Speaking in Tongues Still for Today? AG 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering a Spirit-Led Life
- Boundless Team
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
Yes, the Assemblies of God believe speaking in tongues is a relevant, biblical experience for today. It serves as the initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, a distinct experience after salvation that empowers believers for witness, service, and a deeper spiritual life.
As the sun sets over the Mississippi River and the city of Memphis begins to quiet down, many of us find ourselves in a moment of evening reflection. We look at our lives, the busyness of the 901, the challenges of modern culture, and the deep desire for something more in our walk with God. You might have heard about "speaking in tongues" or being "Spirit-filled" and wondered: Is that for me? Is it even real in the 21st century?
At First Assembly Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we believe the same Holy Spirit who moved in the book of Acts is moving right now in Cordova, Bartlett, and across the globe. Understanding this "AG 101" topic isn't just about theology; it's about mastering a life led by the presence of God.
Understanding the Language of the Spirit
Before we dive deep, let’s clarify a few terms that often come up in these conversations.
Definition: Baptism in the Holy Spirit A separate and subsequent experience following salvation where a believer is "filled" with the Holy Spirit. Its primary purpose is to provide spiritual power for Christian life and witnessing (Acts 1:8).
Definition: Initial Physical Evidence The biblical sign that confirms a person has received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. In the Assemblies of God doctrine, this sign is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4).
Definition: Glossolalia (Tongues) A supernatural gift where a believer speaks in a language they have not learned. This can be for personal prayer or, when interpreted, for the encouragement of the church.
Why Is Spirit Baptism Distinct from Salvation?
A common question we hear is, "Don't I get the Holy Spirit when I'm saved?" The answer is a joyful yes. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit performs the work of regeneration, He lives in you. However, the Assemblies of God, following the pattern of the New Testament, teaches that there is a further experience.
Think of it this way: Salvation is like having a well of water within you (John 4:14). Spirit Baptism is like that well becoming a rushing river that overflows to touch the world around you (John 7:38-39). One is for your life; the other is for your mission.
Feature | Salvation (The New Birth) | Baptism in the Holy Spirit |
Purpose | Eternal life and relationship with God | Power for witness and service |
Source | The work of the Holy Spirit in us | The Spirit "coming upon" us |
Pattern | Repentance and faith in Christ | Asking, seeking, and receiving |
Evidence | A changed life and the fruit of the Spirit | Speaking in tongues (initial sign) |
The Role of Speaking in Tongues Today
If you're navigating culture as a believer today, you know that our own strength often feels small. We need a supernatural edge to stay bold, stay kind, and stay faithful.
Speaking in tongues serves two primary purposes:
The Sign: It is the "receipt" or the external evidence that you have received the empowering gift of the Spirit. Just as the wind is invisible but moves the trees, the Spirit is invisible but moves our speech.
The Edification: In 1 Corinthians 14:4, the Apostle Paul says that the person who speaks in a tongue "edifies himself." In your private prayer life, it is a way to communicate with God when words in your native language fail.
For many in the Memphis area, from students to busy parents, having a "prayer language" is a source of peace during a hectic day. It’s a way to lean into the "News & Peace" that only God can provide, especially when the headlines feel heavy.
Addressing the "Wait, Is It Still for Today?" Question
Some people believe that these "miraculous" gifts stopped after the original apostles died (a view called cessationism). However, we believe the Great Commission, to go into all the world and make disciples, is still active. If the mission hasn't stopped, why would the power for the mission stop?
In Acts 2:39, Peter says, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call." Whether you are "far off" geographically (joining us through Boundless Online Church) or "far off" in time, the promise of the Spirit is for you.
5 Steps to Mastering a Spirit-Led Life
Walking in the Spirit isn't just a one-time event; it's a daily rhythm. Here is how you can begin:
Ask with Expectancy: Jesus said the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). Start your morning by asking the Spirit to fill you afresh.
Stay Rooted in the Word: The Spirit and the Word always agree. To know the Spirit’s voice, you must know the Bible’s text. Explore our Bible Study resources to go deeper.
Surrender Your Speech: Speaking in tongues requires a step of faith. You provide the voice; He provides the utterance. It is an act of total surrender of your most "unruly" member, the tongue (James 3:8).
Listen and Obey: A Spirit-led life is marked by "promptings." Maybe it’s a nudge to pray for a neighbor in Cordova or to text a friend who's struggling.
Connect with Community: Whether in-person at FA Memphis or digitally via Boundless, we weren't meant to carry the fire alone. Fire burns brighter when the coals are together.
Evening Reflection: Finding Peace in His Presence
As you wrap up your day, remember that God’s power isn't just for the "spiritual giants." It’s for the tired mom, the stressed employee, the student facing peer pressure, and the retiree looking for purpose. Speaking in tongues and the Spirit-filled life are tools given by a loving Father to help you thrive, not just survive.
If you’ve felt a "holy dissatisfaction", a sense that there must be more to your faith, that might just be the Holy Spirit inviting you into a deeper experience. You don't have to be perfect; you just have to be thirsty.
Life Takeaway
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is a gift of power available to every believer today. It is not a badge of superiority, but a tool for service and a gateway to a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
Are you ready to take your next step in the Spirit?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person to experience our community and worship: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global digital family for online discipleship, prayer, and community: 🌐 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.)
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