Spiritual Gifts

I was involved in a social media conversation which ultimately lead up to a pretty interesting proposal.
A scientist type of fellow was interested in setting up an experiment which might encourage skeptics of the Christian faith to examine findings for proof that God exists.

The particular gift I am speaking about is that of speaking in tongues.

Before I go too deeply into my thoughts about this experiment I'd like to give note to the Biblical discussion of gifts as stated by Paul the Apostle.

1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we may know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 12 is the Chapter in which Paul explains each of the nine gifts given by the Spirit.

1 Word of wisdom
2 Word of knowledge
3 Faith
4 Healing
5 Working of miracles
6 Prophecy
7 Discerning of Spirits
8 Diverse kinds of Tongues
9 Interpretation of Tongues

Before and after Paul names the Spiritual Gifts he is very specific about who gives them and why he gives them.

1 Corinthians 12:6
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and same self Spirit, dividing to every man severally, as he will.

In all Biblical reading I have done in both OT and NT these gifts given to men are always given for proof of God's existence, or that of Jesus as the Messiah's existence.  An example of wanting to use these gifts for self aggrandizement is also noted in the Bible here: Acts 8: 18-23

Let me be clear about operations of Spiritual Gifts given by the Spirit of God.
No man by his own choice can activate any of these gifts without Holy Spirit instruction, or assistance.
These are not actions or doings solely of man's intention.

It is very important to understand that as Jesus preached, He preached exclusively to the Gospel of a Kingdom Coming and always of who the Kingdom came from, being God the Father.
In the last days, Jesus warned us of the false one coming, claiming to be Him, doing miracles and wonders to deceive the world.

I think it would be difficult to create an experiment, which would validate God's existence through examining instances of those claiming to be speaking in tongues.  The main reason for difficulty is this: nobody can predict when the Holy Spirit will act as God would design any use of these gifts.

Many believers today say that being baptized in the Holy Spirit happens when you speak in tongues.  That may be true, but Acts 8:17 clearly indicates that the laying on of hands is also a manner to receive the Holy Spirit.  Those that would say the Holy Spirit Baptism is exclusive to speaking in tongues are speaking a faulty doctrine to what scripture states.  As God is not the author of confusion, it is hard for me to imagine that importance isn't given to the gifts in order that they are listed.  Speaking in tongues is 8th.

Acts 2: 6-12 describes plainly how God used those of the Upper Room receiving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost delivered the gift of Tongues.  They were all Galileans speaking to 16 different languages as represented in the scripture so that all understood the work of Jesus.  This means they knew to speak a language not of their own learning.

Now in terms of creating an experiment to validate God's existence among skeptics, I would let the skeptics do as they desired.  God in His way may decide to participate in such a test.  As for myself, I'd not have anything to do with such an experimentation.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
In the following verses the workings of faith follow from the beginning to now.

I don't think it is possible to believe in God without having faith.  I certainly know that when I was trying to understand faith, I didn't believe in God.  I knew of God as people spoke of Him, but I did not know Him.

If you check back on the spiritual gifts list Faith is the 3rd gift given by God.

Moreover when Jesus was speaking to his disciples after his resurrection he told Thomas, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed.

There are those in this world that will flatly reject God.  There are others which do not reject Him, but don't actually have a need to include Him into their lives. There are those who claim to know God, but in fact know nothing of Him.  There are also those that can't live this life without a relationship with God.

The only way one can have a relationship with God is through His son Jesus.  Jesus born of a woman came into flesh.  He lived as a human and died knowing all the pains, doubts and fears we all face.  His time on earth was nothing short of an example on using the nine Holy Spirit gifts in operation determined by God for His own purpose.

The wisest choice any person can make is the understanding of who Jesus is, what he did and why he did it.

The most foolish thing anyone can do is not investigate the life of Jesus thoroughly.  He is alive, and you best believe He is coming back for His kingdom.

Peace and Blessings

Pastor Martin