Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation — For the Good of the Church

Speaking in tongues has been a topic of fascination, debate, and sometimes division within the Christian world. For some, it’s a powerful sign of God’s presence. For others, it’s a source of confusion or skepticism. In this episode of our podcast, we turn to Scripture to understand what the Bible actually says about this gift and how it’s meant to function in the body of Christ.

We start in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul lists tongues and the interpretation of tongues among the spiritual gifts given by the one Spirit. These gifts aren’t badges of spiritual superiority or personal proof of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Instead, they are tools given for a shared purpose: the edification of the entire church.

Moving into 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides practical, pastoral guidance for the early believers in Corinth. He teaches that when tongues are spoken in the congregation, they should be accompanied by interpretation so that all may understand and be strengthened. Used in this way, the gift is not just a personal spiritual experience—it’s a way to point both believers and unbelievers toward God.

But in modern churches, the gift of tongues is still surrounded by questions. Some view its absence as a lack of the Spirit’s work. Others misuse it or fake it, creating confusion. And in some services, tongues are spoken without interpretation, leaving people—especially visitors—unsure of what’s happening.

Our heart in this discussion is not to stir controversy but to inspire personal study. We encourage you to open your Bible and read what Paul actually wrote about this gift. Seek the Spirit’s guidance. Desire the gifts that build up the church. And above all, let love be the foundation for every spiritual gift we practice.

Whether you’ve spoken in tongues, never experienced it, or don’t know what to believe, this episode is an invitation to approach the topic with humility, wisdom, and a heart for God’s glory

Discover what the Bible says about speaking in tongues and interpretation from 1 Corinthians 12 & 14. Learn how this gift should build up the church and point people to God.

Faith Reframed Cultural Christianity vs. Christ-Centered Faith: Where the Divide BeginsToday we’re diving into a conversation that needs to happen:Cultural Christianity versus Intentional, Christ-centered living.And what happens when that difference begins to shape how we, as Christians, respond to real-world issues like feminism, church hurt, and patriarchy.What is Cultural Christianity?So let’s start with definitions. Cultural Christianity is less about Jesus and more about identity.It’s Christianity as a label — a default setting — rather than a lived-out, surrendered faith.You see it when someone says they’re Christian because:They grew up in a “Christian home.”They go to church on Easter and Christmas.Or… they equate Christianity with being a “good person” or “moral citizen.”But here’s the thing — Jesus never invited people to identify with Him in name only. He called them to follow Him. Daily. Sacrificially. Personally.In contrast, Intentional Christianity is about that personal, ongoing commitment to Jesus — loving Him with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It’s not performative. It’s not inherited. It’s not political.It’s relational. It’s transformational.How Cultural Christianity Distorts Social EngagementSo why does this matter?Because Cultural Christianity distorts how we engage with the world — and often leaves deep wounds in its wake.Let’s talk about feminism, for example.Feminism and the ChurchCultural Christianity often adopts traditionalism in the name of "biblical values" without really engaging Scripture holistically.That’s where you get ideas like:“Women should stay silent.”“Leadership is for men only.”Or worse — a tolerance for abuse under the guise of submission.That’s not gospel. That’s patriarchy dressed in Christian language.Intentional Christianity — rooted in the life of Jesus — looks radically different. Jesus:Defended women in public.Gave them dignity, voice, and value in a culture that silenced them.Made women the first witnesses to the resurrection.Feminism, at its core, is about equality, dignity, and agency — things Jesus modeled long before the word “feminism” existed.Church Hurt and the Real Impact of Inauthentic FaithAnother area impacted by this divide is church hurt.And let’s be honest — many people have walked away from the Church not because of Jesus……but because of Christians who never truly followed Him.Cultural Christianity can build toxic systems — ones that prioritize image, power, and control over repentance, healing, and community.That’s where you see:Abuse swept under the rug.Performative spirituality.Gatekeeping instead of grace.Intentional Christianity, on the other hand, calls us to accountability. It confesses sin. It listens when someone says, “I was hurt.” It doesn’t shame victims; it seeks justice.The Patriarchy ProblemLet’s zoom in on patriarchy for a moment.Cultural Christianity often defaults to patriarchal systems, not because Scripture demands it, but because culture — historically and socially — has normalized it.And when you’re more invested in preserving a system than reflecting Christ, you end up defending oppression as “God’s design.”But here’s what Intentional Christianity does:It asks, “What did Jesus model?”It values servant leadership, not dominance.It honors mutual submission, not hierarchy-for-control.It doesn’t just ask, “Is this biblical?”It also asks, “Is this Christlike?”And that distinction matters.The Call to Authentic DiscipleshipSo what do we do with all this?The call is simple but costly:Trade in Cultural Christianity for the real thing.Jesus never said, “Identify with Me.”He said, “Follow Me.”

this episode, we explore the powerful story of Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent women in the Bible. Drawing from the gospel accounts, we unpack how Jesus delivered her from the grip of demonic oppression—liberating her not just spiritually, but also emotionally, mentally, and physically. In response to this radical transformation, Mary chose a life of unwavering devotion, offering her time, talents, service, and resources to follow and support Jesus.

We also examine the deep, often-overlooked interdependence between the disciples and the women who traveled with them—highlighting how these women played vital roles in sustaining and advancing Jesus’ earthly ministry. Mary’s faithfulness is profoundly honored when Jesus appears to her first after His resurrection, entrusting her with the message of His victory—a remarkable moment of divine affirmation and grace.

Mary Magdalene's story becomes a mirror of our own: rescued, redeemed, and called to live a life wholly devoted to Christ. Her journey reminds us that our love for Him flows from His great love for us—the One who saves, restores, and rewards those who follow Him diligently with devotion. Christ see us in our suffering, He longs to rescue us to a life of relationship with Him now and in eternity.