The Mystery of Tongues: Breathing the Kingdom of God

 When we breathe in the Holy Spirit, we receive the Kingdom of God within us. Tongues, as a divine gift, are one of the most profound manifestations of this reality. As we pray, the fire of God often rests on us, and when we breathe it out in tongues, the Kingdom of God is made manifest. Below is an exploration of tongues, their biblical references, their levels, and their significance in bringing forth the Kingdom of God.

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Biblical References to Tongues

Old Testament

1. Isaiah 28:11-12 (NKJV) “For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, to whom He said, ‘This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest,’ and, ‘This is the refreshing’—yet they would not hear.”

   • This prophecy foretells the use of tongues as a sign to Israel, symbolizing rest and refreshing through the Spirit.

2. Genesis 11:1-9 – The Tower of Babel

   • While not directly about the gift of tongues, the confusion of languages foreshadows the diversity of tongues and their role in uniting people under God’s plan.

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New Testament

1. Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

   • “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

     • The Day of Pentecost demonstrates tongues as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s power. The disciples spoke in tongues that were understood by people of various languages (Acts 2:6-11).

2. 1 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)

   • “To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

     • Tongues are highlighted as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV)

   • “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

     • This emphasizes the divine nature of tongues as communication with God.

4. Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

   • “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

     • These groanings are often associated with deep, mystical tongues that connect us to the heart of God.

5. Mark 16:17 (NKJV)

   • “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.”

     • Tongues are affirmed as a sign accompanying believers.

6. Jude 1:20 (NKJV)

   • “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”

     • Praying in the Spirit, often through tongues, edifies the believer.

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Apocrypha and Other Texts

1. Wisdom of Solomon 7:21-22

   • Describes the diversity of wisdom, which can be linked to divine utterances and spiritual understanding.

2. 1 Enoch 71:11

   • References angelic communications and mysteries that can parallel angelic tongues.

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Levels of Tongues

1. Level 1: Tongues of Edification

   • Purpose: Personal prayer language to commune with God and edify the spirit.

   • Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NKJV) “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”

   • Significance: Deposits “manna” in the faith account, strengthening the believer.

2. Level 2: Earthly Translations

   • Purpose: Tongues understood by others as earthly languages.

   • Reference: Acts 2:6-11

   • Significance: Enables the gospel to reach diverse people groups, as seen on Pentecost.

3. Level 3: Angelic Tongues

   • Purpose: Heavenly languages understood by angels and heavenly beings.

   • Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV) “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels...”

   • Significance: Issues commands for angelic missions, warfare, and ministering.

4. Level 4: Groanings and Deep Utterances

   • Purpose: Mystic tongues from the depths of the spirit, communing directly with God.

   • Reference: Romans 8:26

   • Significance: These are ancient and profound utterances, guided by Yeshua Himself.

5. Level 5: Communing with the Godhead

   • Purpose: Direct communication with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

   • Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:2

   • Significance: At this level, tongues transcend angelic understanding and align with the divine will.

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Tongues: Breathing the Kingdom of God

When we pray in tongues, we breathe out the Kingdom of God, releasing divine mysteries, power, and authority into the natural realm. It is through this gift that we:

• Edify ourselves (1 Corinthians 14:4).

• Build our faith (Jude 1:20).

• Advance the gospel (Acts 2:6-11).

• Engage in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:18).

• Commune with God at deeper levels (Romans 8:26).

Let us yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to take us through the levels of tongues, from edification to direct communion with the Godhead. As we do, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, releasing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

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Prayer: “Holy Spirit, teach us to breathe in Your presence and release Your Kingdom through the gift of tongues. Take us deeper into communion with You, that we may glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.”