The eleventh chapter of the Book of Revelation, by its symbol of the two olive trees and the two lampstands, reveals that in the days just prior to the appearing of Christ the work of God will be accomplished, not by man and his devices but by the Spirit of the Lord (see Zechariah, Chapter Four).

It is possible that our concept of the Christian discipleship and church services do not coincide with the desires and actions of the Spirit of God.

It is the writer's conviction that an abundant, continual outpouring of glory is available to every group of Christians who will allow the Holy Spirit to rule their activities. It is useless, we believe, to pray for and expect an outpouring of God's Spirit until we are willing, under the guidance of the Spirit of Christ, to change the patterns of our individual and group behaviors so they correspond to the wishes of the living and present Christ.

The significance of "tongues." The Divine meaning and intent of Azusa Street, and similar outpourings, have not been understood clearly. What is the purpose of "tongues," for example? Since speaking in tongues is associated in Scripture with the outpouring of the Pentecostal "rain," what significance does it have for us Christians other than the fluency it gives our worship and supplications?

Speaking in tongues is more than an interesting phenomenon to append to our business-as-usual church life. Speaking in tongues signals a new way of obeying God—the way of the law of the Spirit of life.

"Tongues" is the key that opens the door to a new life for the Christian. It appears the churches involved in the Azusa Street outpouring, not understanding the significance of what was taking place in their midst, moved off the course the Holy Spirit was setting for them.

The following passage aids our understanding of the significance of the speaking-in-tongues experience:

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (Isaiah 28:9-13)

The meaning of speaking in tongues, its role in determining our Christian experience, is contained in this passage from Isaiah. Tongues, the Holy Spirit is stating here, is a means God has selected to guide us into the life in the Spirit.

To be continued.