The Reality of Speaking in Tongues Explained | Bobby Schuller | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Reality of Speaking in Tongues Explained

Shepherd's Grove • Sep 19, 2026 • 31 min

Start 3-Day Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Bobby Schuller teaches that the gift of speaking in tongues is fully active and relevant for believers today. Through Scripture and church history, he explains that operating in spiritual gifts requires a willing partnership with the Holy Spirit, who gives utterance as believers step out in faith. Praying in tongues digs a spiritual well that edifies the individual believer and deepens intimacy with God.

Themes

Spiritual GiftsSpeaking in TonguesThe Holy SpiritFaith and YieldingSpiritual Edification

Pastor's Points

1.

Want it and believe in it.

2.

Come to Jesus the baptizer.

3.

Drink by opening your mouth and taking a breath.

4.

Release the outflow as the Spirit gives utterance.

Key Points

1.
You have to want the gift of tongues and believe that it is for you today.
2.
You must come to Jesus, who is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, to receive spiritual gifts.
3.
Receiving the gift requires stepping out in faith by opening your mouth and taking a deep breath of the Spirit.
4.
The Holy Spirit gives the utterance, but you must step out in faith and speak the words.
5.
Speaking in tongues is fully biblical and intended for believers today, supported by both Scripture and early church history.
6.
Unlike demonic control which forces and overwhelms, the Holy Spirit works in gentle partnership, requiring a yielded heart.
7.
Praying in tongues is directed to God and serves to build up and strengthen the individual believer spiritually.
8.
Regularly praying in tongues digs a spiritual well that opens up access to the power and presence of God.

Sermon Moments

“God is not a puppeteer; when you speak in tongues, you step out in faith while the Spirit gives you utterance.”

“Tongues are for today, and believing in God's promises is the first step to receiving His spiritual gifts.”

“To receive spiritual gifts, we must put away old mindsets and tradition to receive the new wine skin God offers.”

“Praying in tongues digs a well inside of you, making it easier to access the deep things of God.”

“Every spiritual gift operates as a partnership where we step out in faith and God provides the grace and power.”

This Week

Set aside dedicated time daily to pray in the Spirit, stepping out in faith even when it feels quiet or dry.

Examine your mind and unlearn religious traditions or fears that create barriers to receiving the gifts of the Spirit.

Approach Jesus directly in prayer, asking Him as the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit to grant you spiritual gifts.

Step out in faith when praying by opening your mouth and cooperating with the Holy Spirit rather than waiting passively.

Pray in tongues over your family, church, or difficult circumstances, trusting God to bring spiritual breakthrough and deliverance.

Guard against academic cynicism or intellectual pride by maintaining a active, humble spiritual prayer life.

Pursue love earnestly while continuing to desire and exercise spiritual gifts for personal edification and ministry.

Remember This

Speaking in tongues is a active, faith-filled partnership with the Holy Spirit that edifies the believer and deepens intimacy with God.

A Challenge for You

When doubt or the enemy tells you that you are just doing it yourself when you pray in tongues, remember that every spiritual gift requires your active participation while relying on the Holy Spirit's utterance.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.