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.

In this episode, we dissect the lives of Mary and Martha, two sisters who approached Jesus in radically different ways. Through their stories, we uncover the powerful truth that Jesus values *all* expressions of faith. Whether you're a task-oriented leader or a quiet contemplative, this episode will equip you to understand and embrace your unique spiritual gifts.

Ever wondered if you're "doing enough" in your faith? The lives of Mary and Martha, two sisters who teach us that there's no one "right" way to connect with Jesus. Jesus lovingly embraces both Martha's driven nature and Mary's quiet devotion. When Martha seems to have misplaced priorities, Jesus lovingly and gently steers her aright.

Whether you're a busy bee or a reflective soul, you'll find encouragement and practical wisdom in this episode as we unravel the complexities of Mary and Martha, two iconic women of the Bible. Martha being a doer, Mary a listener. Yet both had faith, approached Jesus in different and individual ways and Jesus had a relationship with both of them evidenced by their exchanges.

Discover how Jesus responds to both women with love and acceptance, proving that our individuality is a gift, not a barrier to faith. We also learn that sometimes we can put obstacles in our own Journey. Though both women had faith in Jesus to heal their brother, and raise him at the resurrection, they didn't think Jesus could/would raise him there and then. And when Jesus' asked for the stone to be rolled away, their first reaction is one of protest because the body would be in decay. However, on Jesus' instruction, they obeyed and rolled the stone away and Jesus raised Lazurus! How much more will we do for us, if we will only obey, not because we don't have doubts, big in spite of our doubts. This episode will challenge your assumptions. Listen today and find encouragement for your faith journey!

a culture obsessed with instant gratification, patiently can feel like a losing battle. This week, we tackle the struggle of waiting on God for answered prayers. We'll discuss practical strategies for changing our hearts and wrestling with God during the waiting period. Plus, we'll explore how to see this time as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper dependence on Him. For those living with chronic illness and longing for heaven, we offer encouragement and insights on navigating life while waiting for eternal healing. Tune in to learn how to not just survive, but thrive, while waiting on God's perfect timing.

The Power of Waiting in Faith**\n\nIs your faith being tested by unanswered prayers? This episode challenges our cultural addiction to instant gratification and dives deep into the meaning of waiting on God. We examine how He is actively working, even when we can't see it, and how we can cultivate patience and dependence during seasons of waiting. We also offer specific encouragement for those with chronic illness who are longing for ultimate healing. Join us as we explore the power of waiting in faith and discover the transformative work God is doing in our hearts.

This episode is dedicated to those who are patiently waiting for Heaven, particularly those living with chronic illness. We'll discuss the challenges of waiting for relief from pain and suffering, and offer practical encouragement for finding peace and purpose in the present. We'll also explore how to cultivate a deeper dependence on God and find hope in His promise of eternal healing. Join us as we address the unique struggles of waiting and offer a message of hope for those who are longing for Heaven

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the profound concept of the Holiness of God. What does it truly mean for God to be holy, and how does this understanding shape our identity, our appreciation of the Cross, and our relationship with the God? We embark on a journey to unpack the implications of God's holiness in our lives, exploring how it invites us to reevaluate our sense of self, our place in the grand narrative of faith and how it serves as a mirror that reveals our own, God's love for us and the need for grace.

Throughout the episode, we examine the interplay between God's holiness and the fear of God—an awe-inspired reverence that beckons us to approach Him with both humility and gratitude. As we consider real-life applications, we highlight how recognizing God's perfect holiness can transform our worship experiences, deepening our connection to Him and enriching our daily spiritual practice.

As we navigate this sacred topic, we draw parallels between the Holiness of God and the fear of God, highlighting how a proper understanding of His divine nature fosters a deeper reverence in our hearts. We discuss how recognizing God's Holiness can transform our worship, encouraging us to approach Him with awe and gratitude. Through insightful discussions and scriptural references, we aim to cultivate a greater appreciation for both who God is and what He has done for us through Christ.

Drawing on scripture, personal insights, and communal reflections, we invite you to engage with these complex themes and reflect on your own understanding of the Divine. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith, simply explore the nature of God, or looking to enhance your worship, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives that will resonate long after the final words are spoken. Join us on this journey as we try to give our opinions on the holiness of God and its implications for our faith, worship, and daily living. Tune in and let the holiness of God inspire and challenge you in your spiritual journey!

In this illuminating episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the profound and transformative concept of God's mercy. What does it truly mean to experience mercy, and why is it essential in our lives? We begin our exploration by unpacking the nature of mercy and how it intertwines with the idea of sin. By understanding our sinful nature, our need for mercy, we set the stage to discuss the unparalleled gift that Jesus offers through His sacrifice on the Cross.

A significant portion of our discussion centers around the Cross, where we reflect on the unparalleled gift that Jesus offers through His sacrifice. We’ll unpack the profound implications of how He paid our debt, wiped our slate clean, and graciously credited us with His righteousness, enabling us to be reconciled with the Father. This remarkable act of grace is what sets Christianity apart from all other faiths and belief systems, providing a pathway to a deep, meaningful relationship with God.

But our conversation doesn’t stop there. We also contemplate how being recipients of God's mercy should inspire our daily lives and interactions with those around us. As we reflect on our own experiences of forgiveness and grace, we encourage listeners to consider how they can embody these qualities in their own relationships, creating a ripple effect that showcases the character of our Heavenly Father. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge and inspire you to live out the mercy you’ve received, ultimately shining a light on the beauty of the Gospel in a world that needs it more than ever.

this week’s episode of our Women of the Bible series, we turn our attention to Lydia—a remarkable figure whose story offers profound insights into humility, service, and stewardship. Join us as we delve into Lydia's life, exploring how a wealthy entrepreneur exemplified the true meaning of submission and hospitality within her community. Despite her financial success and influential status, Lydia placed her trust in Paul, her church leader, demonstrating that true greatness lies in humility and the willingness to serve others.

We'll discuss how Lydia's generosity and welcoming spirit created a nurturing environment for the early church in Philippi, emphasizing the vital role of hospitality in ministry. As we look at her life, we’ll consider a fresh perspective on her personal circumstances—asking whether she may have been single, widowed, or divorced—and how Paul recognized her unique gifts and contributions to the church. Lydia’s story reminds us that our past does not define our ability to serve; rather, it is our willingness to use our blessings for God's glory that truly matters.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights Lydia’s legacy and encourages us to reflect on our own lives. How do we use our resources and talents to uplift our communities? Are we willing to set aside our accomplishments for the sake of service? Join us as we learn from Lydia and challenge ourselves to embody the same spirit of humility and dedication in our own lives and churches. Whether you’re a business leader, a homemaker, or anywhere in between, Lydia’s story has something to teach us all about the power of selfless service and the impact of a heart devoted to God’s kingdom.