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What is tongues?
Where is it from?
What is it?

Tongues is a language that is given to a believer in Christ as the initial evidence of being what we pentecostals call being 'baptized in the Holy Spirit'. It is not, however, the only evidence. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 14:4, 'He who speaks in tongues edifies himself' (the context of this verse is comparing tongues to prophecy). In Acts the disciples 'speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled them'. They spoke in languages they neither understood nor knew a word of how to speak, and were thus able to witness to thousands of people.

There are different kinds of tongues. There is the initial evidence, as described above, and the gift of tongues. The initial evidence is something that becomes a personal prayer language. It might sound like complete gibberish, but I have known instances where people actually begin to speak other coherent languages (one guy started speaking in Russian...needless to say he never knew the language, still doesn't; and also the disciples in Acts 2). But usually it is a language used when, say, one does not have the words to say. For the Bible says that the Spirit knows what to say, and does so through us. Also, it's a tool for intercession and spiritual warfare. Just as we typically don't understand it, neither does the devil. It is something that empowers a believer (being baptized in the Spirit, not tongues...tongues is just a tool), and I think it is essential.

The gift of tongues is quite different. It goes along with the gift of prophecy, in that it is usually a prophetic utterance. In this case, the tongue is spoken, and then followed by an interpretation. This is different than the prayer language, in that it is not used repeatedly. It is a thing available for all believers, but as with any gift, some might use it more than others (simply because God has it in mind to use some people more than others, in that gift) but it's like not everyone is a prophet, pastor, evagelist, etc. We can all use the gifts.

I know that there are many that do not agree with the things stated above, due to doctrinal differences. But these are the things I have learned over the years, as well as what I have understood from the Bible itself.

The gift of tounges is really cool. Its definatly real. Normally when it happens at my church. Someone else will follow it with prophecy. Its an amazing thing really. The people who posted above have pretty good explinations of what it is. It freaks some people out. But I think its awesome.

If you really want it, ask it from God n receive it by faith without doubt

Matthew 7 (New International Version)

Ask, Seek, Knock
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 21
21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

I always thought that tongues was only worship and praise, but I agree with Hikari here. Siren, do not give up or be discouraged. There are other ways to edify yourself other than speaking in tongues. As Paul says in his letter to Corinth, "If I speak in tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am nothing. I am only a clashing symbol." So in other words, keep love and faith first and foremost. God understands our prayers, and it is more helpful to us to pray in a language we understand.

UPDATED:

What does it sound like?

I would suggest reading 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 for understanding tongues.

i think it sounds a bit like jibberish or a last name spellt like this
"lyszczasz". I always make fun of my friend for it! xd