A.    Tongues (and interpretation) is the only gift not in operation in the old covenant.  It is the initial sign of the outpouring or the baptism of the Holy Spirit, both to the church and to every believer.  (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 19:6).

B.    Tongues may or may not be understood naturally by the listener(s).

C.    Tongues may be in the language of men or angels (1 Cor 13:1).

D.    Tongues can be applied by the Holy Spirit in two directions of communication, in either public or private ministry, and must be recognized which direction is being manifested for the proper rules of service to apply.  These two directions of communication are:

1.    Man's spirit speaking to God, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, in prayer or worship (1 Cor 14:2, Rom 8:26-27).  This type of communication can be manifested in all persons in a congregation at once and does not have to be interpreted.

2.    God's spirit speaking to man, with the aid of the Holy Spirit thru a man (1 Cor 14:27-28).  This type of communication should manifest only thru one person at a time, though several persons may have an utterance in their spirit, in an orderly way, and must be interpreted. Tongues with interpretation is equal to prophecy in importance (1 Cor 14:5).

A.    Tongues may manifest by itself.  Particularly at baptism in Holy Spirit and in personal prayer life. (1 Cor 14:2,14:28,14:18-19)

B.    Tongues may combine with other gifts.

C.    You must speak what you hear or yield your mouth to the Holy Spirit to speak the tongues (in faith).  The Holy Spirit will not force you nor take control without you freely yielding.

D.    We are instructed to ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (evidenced by tongues), and cannot receive an evil spirit (demon) in place of (Luke 11:11-13), no more than you can ask Jesus to come into your life and get Satan instead.

E.    Ten reasons for speaking in tongues:

1.    sign to unbelievers that Jesus is exalted and seated at the Father's right hand (1 Cor 14:21-22, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 2:33, Mark 16:16-18).
2.    initial sign of baptism of Holy Spirit (upon a believer) (Acts 2:4, 10:46).
3.    provides spiritual refreshing and rest (Isa 28:11-12).
4.    allows divine praise and thanksgiving (1 Cor 14:15-17, Eph 5:18-19, Acts 10:46, Acts 2:6,11).
5.    edification (building up) of your spirit (1 Cor 14:2, 14:4).
6.    edification (building up) of your faith (Jude 20).
7.    allows us to pray god's divine will, when we know not "what" to pray (Rom 8:26-27).
8.    allows us to pray for persons or causes unknown to us, or for persons/causes known to us but at times not designated by us, as the Holy Spirit moves upon us with burden of prayer, or as tongues rise up in your spirit to come forth.  (1 Tim 2:1-3, 1 Cor 14:14-15).
9.    reminder of Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, and God's continual presence with us (never leave nor forsake you) (John 14:16-17).
10.  brings natural tongue under subjection (Jam 3:8-12, Rom 6:12-14).