Originally Posted by 042Dave
If you study Acts you will find that only the Apostles had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which included the Charismatic gifts. Called the signs of an Apostle. They alone spoke in tongues along with those they laid their hands on. Peter was present at the gentile outpouring linking him to that event.

The first clue that today's gifts are fraudulent comes from Paul when he says understanding what is said edifies. He then says those who speak in tongues edify themselves. This can only mean they understood what they were saying. None of today's "tongue speakers" know what they are saying.

When I see people at least *trying* to edify God, my presumption is that they do so because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which means they are Christians, even if not necessarily mature or well-taught ones.

But when they only lift up themselves, not God and not their neighbor? Then I worry.

Aspiring student of Christ