that is your interpretation. i pray everyday and i hear from GOD and he understands me
Jerry,
What I stated was based on the exegesis of the text of 1 Cor 14:1-5. To slam me with 'that is your interpretation' is a no-interpretation throw-away phrase.
You've demonstrated nothing to show my interpretation was wrong, based on the grammar, syntax and context.
I also pray regularly in English but I'm obedient to what the Scriptures states, since God has given me the gift of tongues:
Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. 2 For the person who speaks in another language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit (1 Cor 14:1-2 HCJB).
I'm being obedient to God when I speak to him in an unknown tongue, as I'm speaking mysteries in the Spirit or spirit. I want to be obedient to the Lord's gift that he has given me. For me to take the line you recommend and not pursue the gifts of the Spirit would be disobeying 1 Cor 14:15 (HCSB),
I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with my understanding.
Paul urged all of us: 'Therefore, my brothers [and sisters], be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages' (1 Cor 14:38 HCSB).
Your response to me reads very much like a rejection of 1 Cor 14:38.
Oz