Face to Face with Tongues:
A Verse by Verse Examination and Exposition On the Subject of Tongues
By: Dr. Max D. Younce
Heritage Baptist Bible Church
P.O. Box 573
Walnut Grove, Minnesota 56180
Copyright 2008

In this five chapter work, Pastor Younce (Baptist) examines the issue of speaking in tongues. He examines the purpose of tongues as in evidence to the Messiah, to the Jews, and to its message. The concentration of the gifts of the Spirit, the consummation of the gifts of the Spirit, the control of the gifts of the Spirit, and the commission, concern, and conclusion.

OUTLINE OF THIS BOOK

Act 2:1-47; Act 10:1-48; Act 19:1-41

I. Purpose Of Tongues As Evidence To The Messiah –Act 2:1-47
A. Time of the Holy Spirit’s Coming Defined
B. Tongues Defined
C. The Two Workings of the Holy Spirit Defined

II. Purpose Of Tongues As Evidence To The Jews – Act 10:1-48
A. Preparation of Peter
B. Performance of Peter
C. Purpose of Tongues

III. Purpose Of Tongues As Evidence To The Message & Apostleship of Paul – Act 19:1-41
A. The Background
B. The Meeting
C. The Message
D. The Messenger

1 Corinthians 12,13,14

I. The Concentration Of The Gifts Of The Spirit – 1Co 12:1-31
God’s Gifts to the Individual (1Co 12:11-11)
God’s Gifts to the Church (1Co 12:12-31)

II. The Consummation Of the Gifs Of The Spirit – 1Co 13:1-13
The Concern Of Love (1Co 13:1-7)
The Contrast Of Gifts (1Co 13:8-13)

III. The Control Of The Gifts Of The Spirit – 1Co 14:1-40
Church Is to Be Controlled by Edification (1Co 14:1-6)
Church Is to Be Controlled by Clarity (1Co 14:7-19)
Church Is to Be Controlled by Maturity (1Co 14:20-25)
Church Is to Be Controlled by Order (1Co 14:26-40)

Mar 16:14-20

I. The Commission
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. – Mar 16:15 b

II. The Concern
The Jews Required A Sign – 1Co 1:22
Signs Were To Confirm the Word – Mar 16:20
The Last Miracles Recorded In The New Testament Took Place About 58 A.D. Many Not Healed From About 60 A.D. On.
Epaphroditus – Php 2:25-30
Timothy – 1Ti 1:2 with 5:23
Trophimus – 2Ti 4:20
Paul – 2Co 12:7-9

III. The Conclusion
The Last Miracle Signs Are Recorded About 58 A.D. (Act 28:1-9)
Paul Could No Longer Heal from About 62 A.D. On
Must Perform All The Signs. – Mar 16:17-18
The Signs Given In Mar 16:1-20 Are Not For Today.

PREFACE

In my examination of tongues, verse by verse from the Bible, I have purposely refrained from quoting the publications of tongues advocates, and then refuting their claims by Scripture. I felt it is far more important to first examine the Scriptures, and let Them speak for Themselves. The Christian who will study the Scriptures, honestly and sincerely, will be able, by themselves, to refute any claim of those who advocate tongues are for today. This eliminates the need to saturate this book with their claims.

May the Lord help each of us to,

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a work-man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (15)

“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2Ti 2:15-16)

Dr. Max D. Younce
FOREWARD

If tongues are for today, I want them. If tongues are not for today, I do not want to be deceived. The only way for any person to be convinced is if they are willing take the word of God, examine it honestly, and stand 100% on “Thus saith the Lord”! It can be stated no better than Isa 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. “

Of all the tongues advocates I have talked with, they almost always credit speaking in tongues with their desire to witness, their enthusiasm, their love for the Lord and … on and on it goes. It seems to supplement what they need to fulfill their Christian life, or make it complete.

I have never spoken in tongues. After examining the Scriptures, I am sure that I never will, because they are not for today. Isn’t it amazing? I have everything in Christ and more, without speaking in tongues, than those who claim tongues. The Christian life is exciting and fulfilling. There is nothing more thrilling than witnessing and leading people to Christ. Three things found in Eph 6:17-20 are responsible for the Christian’s motivation and enthusiasm:

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (17)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (18)

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (19)

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” – Eph 6:17-20

Let God Speak to You. “Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Let us speak to God. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”

Let Us Speak to the Lost. “…and for me…that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.”

This is all the “spiritual high” we will ever need. Tongues advocates are supplementing the speaking in tongues for something they are missing from Eph 6:17-20.

My motivation, encouragement, and enthusiasm comes from God speaking to me and my speaking to Him. The excitement of the Christian life is found in defending the faith, witnessing, and leading others to Christ. I am fully satisfied with this, and need nothing more. I have all I need in Christ … not tongues.

THE ANVIL – GOD’S WORD

LAST EVE I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had,” said I,
“To wear and batter all these hammer so?”
“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,
“The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unharmed – the hammers gone.

— UNKNOWN

About The Author

Dr. Younce has been in the ministry 40 years, having been ordained in 1970. He is a graduate of Florida Bible College and holds a Doctorate in Theology. He has pastored churches in Ohio, Indiana, Florida, and Minnesota. He is the founding pastor of Heritage Bible Church in Ohio and Heritage Baptist Bible Church in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. He and his wife, Marge, have made Walnut Grove their home since 1991.

Dr. Younce’s ministry has always been motivated by a caring evangelistic outreach. Thirty-six years of radio and recently television, bear this out. Teaching is another characteristic of Dr. Younce’s ministry. This is evidenced by the many Bible Institute courses he has taught over the years.

Dr. Younce’s style of writing is Bible-centered, direct, and inspiring. He “pulls no punches” to tickle the ears. He believes now, more than ever, people need to know what the Bible says…and they need not to be deceived by the “vain traditions of men!”