The article at https://bible-truth.org/TonguesWhatisGoingOn.html titled modern tongues "Modern Tongues Speaking What is really going on?" should shed some light on this for you.

           The Pentecostal/Charismatic movement has destroyed the faith and ruin untold millions of lives of people honestly seeking Christ, but being lead into false teaching and practices. I have met many people who finally got out of that movement and their testimonies are very moving in their relating the confusion and heartache they suffered. Many others still are in it and I write to try and help them too. However, their tongues speaking is one part of the unbiblical practices these false churches and preachers. (Read what Jesus said inMatthew 7:21-23....read verse 13 - 20 also)

           Only God's truth will save and free men from their sins and through truth can men receive the blessings of God. Even Christians can be deceived and misled that is what is happening.

           Thanks for writing and expressing your opinion. By the way, biblical tongues was still valid when Paul wrote the Epistle to the Corinthians....what he said not to forbid was biblical tongues. But the sign gift ended when God allowed the Romans to destroyed Israel and Jerusalem and dispersed the Jews all over the known world and they had the written word of God. (1 Cor. 13:8-10) Judaism ceased to exist and be practiced and because the gift of tongues was a sign to the Jews, to authenticate the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. God ended this sign gift when it was no longer needed. My articles explain this.

#2 A correct translation of John 17:23 reads, "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17:23) There is only one Holy Spirit that all church age believers receive. The Holy Spirit is the Third member of the Trinity and is God. Thus Jesus is referring to the indwelling of believers by the Holy Spirit. The indwelling is permanent for church age saints and imparts God's Spirit to believers. John 14:26-28 explains,

           "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." (John 14:26-28) The Comforter is the Holy Spirit. Christ said He would leave the Holy Spirit to teach believers all things since He was returning to heaven. Yet, though absent in the flesh, Jesus Christ is with believers who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God. "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8:9) That that the word "Spirit" is capitalized meaning it is a reference to the Holy Spirit.

           Jesus explained the coming of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit further in John 16, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father." (John 16:13-16)

           So Jesus explained He would send the Holy Spirit to believers and on the day of Pentecost the first Christians in this the church age, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit which He promised in Acts 1:5,8. The baptism of the Holy Spirit give the believer a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) which enables him to live for Christ. (See 1 Cor. 2:10-15).

           #3 A correct translation of Mark 16:17-19 reads "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18)

           During the early part of the 1st Century all these things, including tongues, occurred as the Apostles and believers when forth preaching the Gospel. These were signs as the verses state to authenticate to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah and Savior.

           I have a series of articles at https://bible-truth.org/Charismatics.html which address the signs that were present in the early churches, what they were and why the ceased.

Answer:    No I would not agree with your understanding or interpretation of 1 Cor. 13:8-10. The reason is that your interpretation contradicts the grammatical use and construction of the words and of the statements God made. That which is perfect has come! It is the completion of the word of God that was not complete in the mid 50s of the first century. The three sing gifts mentioned in verse 8 are all related to God's word. We have the perfect Word of God and each of the word in verse 8 refer to God's word...not the Second Coming.

           Prophecies is preaching God's word. At the time of the writing of this Epistle most of the New Testament was not written and preaching was the only means of receiving God's word. The written word was not completed...in fact this Epistle was part of God's revelation....in written form. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:21 both absolutely declare the inspiration of God's word or revelation to man....God's revelation was perfect. The word "perfect" in verse 10 is neuter, which means it refers to a "thing" not a person. If it was masculine it could refer to Christ and His coming, but that is not the case. Using the neuter ending on the word perfect precludes that it is a reference to Christ. The Greek speaking people who read Paul's statement would never make that mistake in thinking this word meant the second coming or to Christ. They understood the word's meaning from it grammatical case because the understood the language. Sir, this is a fact and if one wants to know what the verse is correctly saying you must accept the grammatical use of the words. Sir, God does not make mistakes.

           If you will read the article at https://bible-truth.org/TonguesRevel.html it will explain the grammatics of 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 that Paul used and give the correct interpretation of the verses. The problem is English is somewhat limited and people not knowing the Greek grammar of the words used make false assumptions. However, even then if they read the text exegetically they can see that the verses are referring to the giving forth of God's revelation in the early first century not the second coming. During that time most of the New Testament was not written and thus God used preaching, (prophesy), tongues (a sign gift in which the lost heard God's word in their own language which they knew was supernatural and was coming from God) and knowledge (which was the Holy Spirit giving the Apostles God's revelation which they wrote and God preserved) to speak to men.

           When the New Testament was completed, God's revelation was completed, and there was no longer any need for these gifts and they ceased as Paul, under God's inspiration plainly states. The above mentioned article will explain the matter in detail.

           Sir, further, what is going on in church and with individuals in no way even remotely resembles the gift of tongues as revealed in the New Testament. What modern tongues speaking people are doing is calling an orange and apple. Modern tongues speaking just is not what happened in the New Testament churches as my articles point out. (https://bible-truth.org/Charismatics.html) Yet, people are misguided by misguided preachers and churches into believing what they are doing is biblical tongues and most will not look at the facts and realize what they are doing is not biblical tongues. Two reasons why.... One the sign gifts ceased as Paul said. Two what is called tongues today is not what happened in the early churches before God gave them the written word.

           I also know that the exact thing, that is called tongues today and practiced in "Christian" churches, is a thoroughly documented psychological phenomena that is found also in most pagan religions and cults. My article at https://bible-truth.org/TonguesWhatisGoingOn.html "Modern Tongues Speaking Explained What is really going on?" explains this also. That ought to also cause a modern tongues speaker to question what they are doing. Would God give them a special supernatural gift and also give the exact same thing to pagans and unbelievers? Extensive research has shown conclusively that modern tongues is not any language at all. I know you have heard all the stories of people hearing tongues in their own language. Have you tried to document this? Many have and it always is just a story..with not basis in fact.

           The fruit of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements has brought the word con artists masquerading a preachers who are milking people of millions of dollars (pounds). They teach a false gospel that is based on supposed healing and miracles. Where as you do not find that is the emphasis in the Epistles of the New Testament after Pentecost when the institution of the local church. The New Testament emphasis is preaching God's word, telling them of Jesus Christ, of the wages of sin, and God's offer of grace so that people can be saved and believer's edified in the faith in their local church. Yes, as James states,God does heal when He deems it appropriate and He provides for His children. But not like what the modern faith healers preach. Healing and wealth is not the emphasis the God's word gives....rather it is the preaching the gospel. What is the prevalent message in tongues speaking churches...."tongues." Yet, Paul said, "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (1 Corinthians 14:19) God emphasis is stated in Ephesians 4:11f. Tongues churches are filled with women who speak in modern tongues, yet Paul says they are to keep silent in the church!? 1 Timothy 3:1-7 says God only calls men to pastor and as preachers to lead churches...yet the modern tongues speakers have many women as pastors and preachers. Doesn't that ring a bell....? Why are these people ignoring and doing things contrary to God's stated word? Where is the this in modern tongues....? "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2) Three times in Acts is recorded biblical tongues and each time this was what happened. Is it not interesting and revealing that in modern tongues this is never present?

           Lastly, if you believe God's word then you have to deal with 1 Corinthians 14:22 "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe." (1 Corinthians 14:22) In every Pentecostal and Charismatic church modern so called tongues is said to be a sign to believers, whereas God says it was for UNBELIEVERS. Modern tongues is a sign to believers as to their "supposed" receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and to giving some "spiritual" statement given to the individual by God for the congregation. Sir, that is enough alone to refute modern tongues....

           Tongues as a sign to unbelieving Jews in the first Century. It was a supernatural gift in which Jews who could not speak a foreign language could though the Holy Spirit speak the Gospel to other Jews who would heard God's word in their language. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12-14 in great detail explained what biblical tongues was and how it was being misused and abused in the early churches. It was still valid when 1 Corinthians was written, because the word of God was not completed, but in a short time the sign gifts ended. In the early churches they would hear that Messiah, Jesus, had come, suffered, died as was resurrected for the sins of the world and through faith in Him they could receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

           Sir, think.........! Read God's word and compare modern tongues with the biblical sign gift by getting your truth from God;s word not some misguided church or preacher.

           I hope you do....honestly.

Answer:    I too experience the same thing in talking with those who misinterpret what God has said about the gifts of the Spirit. In 2000 I started a new church in a Mormon town in northern Utah. It is now established with a nice building. The first people who came expressed they were very interested in seeing a solid Bible believing church in this Mormon town. However, in our second service they started asking questions about tongues and the gifts. Even though none of them practiced modern tongues they all left when I explained what the Bible clearly teaches. These people are like tumble weeds, going from church to church over these past ten years never being satisfied or committed to the anything. They claim to love the Lord, but they believe the lies of the modern tongues movement and will not accept what the Bible teaches.

          Yet, the truth is there for them if they would listen and learn, but they are more interested in having some experience than truly worshipping the Lord in Spirit and Truth. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and will not follow a stranger (John 1:5). God also says the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring us to the truth and we have a unction and will know all things (1 John 2:20) Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:21-23 that not all who call Him Lord are saved and they are actually workers of iniquity. I have come to the conclusion reluctantly that many of these people are not saved because they cannot discern truth from error. The believe the lies of false doctrine rather than God's word.

           I would suggest you try and find a good Independent Baptist church in your area. Most of these churches believe God's word and practice it. There are some exceptions, but most are doctrinally sound.

          Thanks for writing. I understand the pain you feel which is how any child of God feels who loves men's souls and God's truth.

Answer:    The problem is that many tongues speakers have had a real emotional experience in which they think that have received the gift of tongues. They were told in most cases how to have this experience and that it was biblical tongues. Sadly they believed what they were told even though what they do is absolutely not what the Bible says biblical tongues was. My articles show this clearly. They think they have had a spiritual experience from the Holy Spirit and take great stock in it, so it is close to impossible to show them or convince them that what they experienced is not biblical tongues but a learned pyschological behavior. I have an article at   https://bible-truth.org/TonguesWhatisGoingOn.html,   titled  Modern Tongues Speaking What is Really Going On?   My research shows that when they practice ecstatic speak, the brain releases endorphins and chemicals that produce a feeling of well being. This further makes the tongues speaker think the Holy Spirit is giving them this feeling or they are feeling His presence. Nowhere in the Bible do you find any scripture that supports the idea that a feeling is associated with the presence of the Holy Spirit. That idea actually has its roots in pagan Oriental Mysticism.

           However, even with the clear evidence of what is really happening to them and that what they are doing is exactly what is happening in pagan religions, and is definitely not what the Bible says happened in the early churches when biblical tongues was valid....most will not accept this truth. They are supported in their false practice by false teachers in doctrinal error and by their own emotions.

           So all we can do is show them what the Bible says and pray they will believe God instead of emotions and false teachers. I wish I had a better answer....I deeply wish this because what they are actually doing is robbing them of God true peace and comfort. God cannot bless error. Rarely, do you find a tongues speakers that are spiritual mature. I have never found even one who were biblically sound.

           Some of their doctrinal errors include: 1. A saved born again believer can lose their salvation if they fall into sin. 2. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second experience not necessarily received at salvation. 3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit will be accompanied by tongues. 4. One should seek to speak in tongues. 5. Most teach the "health and wealth" gospel. There are many other errors which include grace plus works salvation.

           Many of those in these churches are not saved as evidence of their unbelief and sinful life styles. Others in the movement who truly saved have been misled and are sincere in believing the false teaching they have been taught. How do you know the different? The only thing I know is God says you will know them by their fruit.(Matt. 12:33)

      Telling me I am wrong and trying to scare me by mentioning blasphemy is not the proper way to help people find the truth. We find the truth by studying God’s word...That is what I have done and continue to do. There is no question that what is being done today and called tongues is not what happened in the early churches. It is easy to make the comparison. That is what the person who seeks to know the truth does. They compare beliefs and practices by studying what the New Testament says and gives as an example.

      Several things you may have missed. 1 Corinthians 14:22 say "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe." (1 Corinthians 14:22) What you do not understand is what biblical tongues was in the earlier churches that were a mixture of Jews and Gentiles. In their services there were often unbelieving Jews who had never heard about salvation through Jesus Christ. In the early churches there was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles with different native languages. When these unbelievers heard the Gospel in their native language spoke by unlearned men, they knew it was a gift and miracle from God. That was why God gave biblical tongues as Acts 2:6-12 shows.

      There never is even on incident of anyone speaking an unlearned language to other believers. However, when the gift was being used, the interpretation was for those who did not understand the language being spoken. There also is no record of anyone praying in"tongues."

       You said that you knew of incidences when people heard a message from the Lord for others (windows of heaven opened). Never in the Bible do you find God telling us to hear from him through the speaking of an unlearned language. God plainly states in Heb. 1:1-2 and in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 God speaks to us through His word the inspired scriptures.

      Do you think that God would give the gift of tongues to those who worship pagan religions, cults, and teach false doctrine? My article explains what investigation has revealed and yes....even the Mormons here in Utah who worship a man-god and seek to become gods themselves, speak in tongues. That should open a lot of eyes and most people are not aware of this.

       Yes, I understand it is a very emotional thing you are doing. You thoroughly enjoy the practice and you honestly think it comes from God. However, I think if you read my article at you would understand what you are experiencing and it will be quite eye opening. I hope you are helped by my response. Many have. I do pray that God will direct you and you will “examine yourself to see if you are in the faith.” as 2 Cor. 13:5 states.