Your Key to the Door of the Supernatural

Have you ever asked yourself, “Where is the power that operated in the church in the Book of Acts?” One hundred twenty men and women emerged from the Upper Room, creating such a scene that people from various nations noticed something unique about these seemingly simple individuals, primarily from modest fishing villages in the Galilee region. A professional fisherman delivered his first sermon, resulting in 3,000 people being saved. This same man, along with a younger companion, spoke to a beggar who had been lame since birth at the Temple’s Beautiful Gate, and he was instantly healed, capturing everyone’s attention. This healing led to another powerful sermon by the fisherman that brought in 5,000 more into the kingdom of God. Meetings and miracles still occur around the world, yet many Christians, especially in America and Europe, wonder if God has changed because they rarely see the Holy Spirit move.

Malachi 3:6 provides God’s answer to that question: For I am the Lord, I change not. Furthermore, Hebrews 13:8 confirms that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. If God the Father, God the Son, and His Word have not changed, what has happened to the move of the Holy Spirit in the church?

How it Began

How did everything in the Book of Acts begin? Jesus told His disciples, But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Earlier, He had instructed them to tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49). They gathered in the upper room and prayed, waiting for that enduement of power. After ten days of prayer, it happened, and this is how it all began:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

It all began when they were filled with the Holy Ghost and started to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. We live in the age of grace, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace; however, most Christians know little (if anything) about the gift of tongues. Due to the significant misinformation surrounding this topic, I highly recommend a small book I wrote, titled “Speaking in Tongues—Who, Me?” You can obtain it by calling our bookstore or visiting our website at https://estore.keithbutler.org. This would be an excellent resource for pastors to provide to their members who don’t understand the truth about praying in the Spirit. It addresses nearly any question they might have and will alleviate their fears.

The early church began supernaturally when the 120 in the Upper Room received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the Bible evidence of speaking in other tongues. I propose that this is where we must start if we want to operate in the gifts of the Spirit, including the gifts of healings, the word of wisdom, and the working of miracles because tongues serve as the gateway to the supernatural power of God.

What Speaking in Tongues Does NOT Do

Speaking in tongues does not make you a new creation in Christ, nor is it necessary for entering heaven. It is not a sign of super-spirituality, has not ceased with the apostles, and is not reserved solely for specially chosen Christians.

Speaking in tongues is not communicating with the devil. 1 Corinthians 14:2 tells you For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. It is a gift that anyone can receive after they’ve accepted the gift of salvation. Since it is a gift, you don’t have to work or tarry for it; you simply have to take it, just as you received salvation.

What Speaking in Tongues Does

Speaking or praying in tongues significantly enhances your ability to engage with the spiritual realm of God, benefiting both yourself and others. It strengthens your spirit; the King James Bible uses the terms "edifieth” (to build) and “building up” to describe how praying in tongues increases your capacity to function in the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:4 states, He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.  Additionally, Jude 1:20 concurs: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

Paul is an excellent example of spiritual strength. Although he was beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, hungry, cold, and left for dead (see 2 Corinthians 11:24-28), he couldn’t be stopped. I am sure his spiritual strength came because, in his words, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all. (1 Corinthians 14:18) The Greek rendering clarifies that Paul spoke in tongues more than the entire church in Corinth. How did he do that?

Be Like Paul

I believe Paul started speaking in tongues daily as soon as he woke up. He prayed in the Spirit between bites of food, while making his tents and walking from town to town. This was the key that unlocked great power. It explains how he got up after being stoned when those around him assumed he was dead. It is how he cast out demons, raised the dead, and established dozens of churches despite tremendous persecution.

Speaking in tongues is the key to the door of the supernatural, so it’s important to remember to practice it as Paul did: while driving your car, getting dressed, cooking meals, cleaning the house, emailing at work, building a project, or before teaching a class, pray in tongues. The more you do this, the wider the opening to the spiritual door will become. Praying in tongues provides you an advantage in the spiritual tug-of-war in which the devil engages with us. The enemy seeks to pull Christians to his side, but when Faith Leaders consistently pray in the Spirit, God will prevail. Praying in the Spirit takes you beyond your limited natural abilities and enhances your capacity to operate within the spiritual realm of God.