The context of chapters 12-14 is the use of tongues (estatic utterances) in the church services.
That alone makes the idea that "tongues of angels" to be a reference to "eloquence of speach" unlikely.
Paul further talks of a "spirit language", which must be a similar reference to the estatic utterances.
Again, further support that "tongues of angels" is referring to the overall context of "estatic utterances".
I do my best to base everything I believe on what scripture says, in the context it was written, whether or not the traditions of the church support it.
I have a question and/or a suggestion. If there are people in Baptist churches that believe in this jibberish talk, why don't they just go where they are welcome(pentecostal churches) and keep it out of churches that have been historically against it? I'm positive that the pentecostals will welcome you with open arms, they basically believe the same as us, except for this issue and a couple of other minor issues. Why do they have to force this on us?
PS. This wasn't even an issue until about a hundred years ago.
Perhaps this kind of attitude is why so many of our churches are dying. Even though scripture clearly supports the validity of a PPL, those who disagree are somehow "threatened" by those follow scripture.
It is the "people who don't think like me are not welcome" attitude that is unbiblical. Such an attitude does not allow for Christian liberty and Christian conscience to be exercised in such non-essential matters.
BTW, the Pentecostals don't think like I do. Paul gives clear instructions concerning the use of the gift. It doesn't edify others, therefore if it isn't interpreted, if it isn't done (interpreted) in order (2 and at most 3) then it shouldn't be done in church.
BTW#2, I do not use a PPL, and never have. That doesn't keep me from seeing the truth of God's Word applied to this issue.
The SBC is trying to hold Christians to a higher standard than scripture allows. That is wrong.
I left SBC years ago because of the liberal slant they had taken, and even that was conservative compared to the charismatic leanings of today.
I am IFB now and never hear any of this nonsense preached or practiced.
I too, will leave as soon as it is allowed in my church(It never will be) or put in SBC paperwork. I am not married to this SBC thing, I would have no qualms about leaving.
Wasnt the books of Corinthians written to one particular church, and about their particular problems?
I think Romans was written to ALL churches, but Corinthians were written to only one.
And, werent the sign gifts given to the apostles and only 4 others?
And didnt actual apostles have to lay hands on the other four to annoint them so that they could produce signs to aid in the establishment of the church?
Also, if prophesy were still needed today, wouldnt that mean that the Bible is NOT the complete word of God?
I think that the instructions that were written for the church at Corinth for problems they were having were given to us for our instruction but not for our duplication.
If I needed to speak or to pray in tongues then God would have me do it without someone having to teach me.
I have happily been a christian for many years, and the Lord hasnt had me do it yet.
When He does I will let you know.
Our churches are dying because of people wanting theirs tickled by this new TV, WOF type junk that includes this topic we are discussing. Our churches are dying because of this "get rich" gospel that is being touted today.
No charimatic here, and I abhore word of faith theology.
Tongues speaking?
The church has every right to order church services.
Private prayer language?
I would never dare even ask another person HOW they pray.
It is private.
To me, it is like asking for intimate marriage details.
IT IS PRIVATE.
So that said, I certainly understand why many pastors and potential missionaries refuse to sign a document stating they do not pray in a private prayer language.
Doesn't mean they DO pray that way.
Just means they think it is NONE OF THE QUESTIONERS BUSINESS.
I Cor. 1:2 "to the church of God which is at Corinth,..." and Romans 1:7 "to all the beloved of God in Rome, called as saints;" I don't know why it makes a difference whether the church at Corinth was composed of several churches or just one?
Seems to me, Jesus sent out "70" that could heal and cast out demons.
To "prophesy" meant to proclaim the Gospel, not tell the future (unless you were speaking of the return of Christ).
You seem to be making a distinction where there is no difference.
If it is for our instruction (what should we do with those folks who want to use "estatic utterances" in worship?) then we must follow those instructions given by God in His Word, not deny that God has given such instructions or make such a person feel unwelcome or prohibit such a person from serving.
To do any of those things is to hold Christians to a higher standard than scripture allows.
This is an area for Christian liberty and conscience to be practiced.
Your experience may not be the same as someone else's.
We can only follow what God has revealed in His Word.
If someone claims to speak in a PPL, then we should encourage them to follow the instructions God has given for such things.