Of course, when one is preaching under the anointing and suddenly he says something he
hadn't previously thought of, that is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And that kind of
supernatural speaking has an element of prophecy to it because it is given by the inspiration of
the Spirit.
When someone speaks with tongues and interprets the tongues, the church is edified. When
used in line with the Word of God, speaking with tongues with the interpretation of tongues can
convince any unbelievers who are present of the reality of the Presence of God, and that often
causes them to turn to God and be saved (1 Cor. 14:22).
Speaking in Tongues in a Public Setting
Is there ever a time when it is appropriate to speak with other tongues in a public setting? We
find a clue to the answer in Mark 16:17 and 18.
MARK 16:17,18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils;
the y shall speak with new tongues;
18 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.
First let's look at verse 17. Jesus said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my
name shall they cast out devils . . ." (Mark 16;Inmyname:17). Casting out devils can be done
privately or, if necessary, publicly (although wisdom must be exercised if it is done publicly).
That same passage of Scripture continues, ". . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover" (Mark 16:18). Laying hands on the sick can also be done privately or publicly.
Another sign that will follow those who believe is also stated: ". . . they shall SPEAK WITH
NEW TONGUES" (Mark 16:17). As with the other two signs, speaking in tongues can be done
publicly at times, as well as privately.
Of course, we don't want to have prolonged praying in tongues in public services because
unless there is an interpretation, folks don't know what is being said and they won't be edified.
However, it is all right to pray in tongues quietly at the altar as long as you desire, because you
go there to get edified.
Also, if everyone in a service is worshipping God and praying in tongues, then it is all right for
you to pray in tongues at that time too. As the congregation prays and worships God in
tongues, I join in and pray that way too.
But when the congregation ceases praying, I cease praying. The congregation wouldn't be
edified if I went on and on praying aloud in tongues. So we do need to know how to use what
we have to the greatest advantage so that people are blessed and edified.
Private vs. Public Operation Of the Gift of Tongues
1 CORINTHIANS 14:18,19
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: