Speaking in Tongues

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1

^12:31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. ^13:1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

During our study of Acts – we have read and studied the movement of the Holy Spirit upon the early church. Questions have arisen about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We will cover them as we continue our study and as we study the gifts later.

A few years ago – I was talking to a friend of mine who attended a church in Virginia. He asked me about something his pastor said. His pastor – in a recent sermon – said that if a person didn’t speak in tongues they were not baptized in the Spirit. My friend was questioning this statement.

This is not a new debate for sure. Some believe that when the Bible says that speaking in tongues is the least of the gifts (1 Corinthians 12) – that implies that all Christians – baptized in the Spirit – would have the least of the gifts. There are also passages that connect the moment of salvation with water baptism and speaking in tongues.

Advertisements

Why Are We United Methodist?

Mark 1:17

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

This is another of my reworked devotionals. Seems some things never change or at least stay the same for a long time. The original post was from 3 years ago – as we had just faced GC2016 and were headed to GC2019. The message from this devotional is still current and accurate as we now head to GC2020.

In today’s climate – this might be a very serious question. Why Am I a United Methodist today?

This is a simple question but it might have complicated answers. Let’s look at a few.

One might answer – because the church I go to is United Methodist. It is the church closest to my home or the church I have always attended. I really haven’t thought of why before but maybe I should.

One might answer – because I grew up in the United Methodist Church. It is the church my parents attended and I have just never thought much about changing or trying another church.

One might answer – because I believe in the method of their theological discernment. Now we’re starting to dive a little deeper. Have any of us thought this deep about our relationship with the denomination we attend.

One might answer – I don’t know! This might be a more common answer than we would like.

One might answer – United Methodist?  You mean I’m United Methodist?

Loving Our Spouse

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

A few weeks ago – my wife and I celebrated 39 years of marriage. Next year in August will we celebrate 40 years. I’m open to suggestions on how we should celebrate. We’ve talked about taking a trip somewhere. I’d like an Alaskan cruise. She’d like a trip to Hawaii. It will also be landmark birthday years for each of us.

For the young people out there – I want to share that our marriage hasn’t always been easy (and it isn’t now either). Love is not an emotion – it is a commitment. We haven’t always kept our vows perfectly – but we committed to stay with each other – till death do us part (I have to sleep with one eye open some nights – LOL). Commitment means we stick it out thru the good and the bad times (although in some marriages there might be bad enough times that separating is the best option).

God knew that life was going to be rough at times for each of us. God knew we needed help walking the journey of life. In today’s passage – as God was retelling the creation story – we’re reminded in Genesis that God knew we shouldn’t be alone. We may not all marry – but we need partners or friends in life to get thru the ups and downs. We all need someone on our side.

Mercy to All

1 Timothy 1:16

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Mercy is not something that many of us offer very easily. Many of us are more into what is fair. Mercy is not fair.

I love this passage from Paul – it shows his heart – a heart of humility and of reality. He firmly believed that he was a sinner saved by grace. If Paul – one of the patriarchs of our faith – thinks of himself as a sinner – saved by grace – ought not we all?

Paul believed that the sins of his past – made him unworthy to be of service to God – yet was thankful that God showed him grace – and called him to His service. He is what he wrote:

1 Timothy 1:12-16 – ¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

I can identify with Paul. I too have sin in my past that makes me feel less than worthy to be saved – let alone to be called to serve God. My sin is grievous to me. Yet by God’s grace – I have been forgiven – and not only forgiven – but called – and not only called – but used for God’s purposes. It amazes me – it humbles me – it causes me to desire to do all that God will allow me to accomplish for His glory.

What about you? Mercy – Grace – God’s love – are offered to all who would receive it. Like Paul – won’t you receive the free gift of God’s grace today – and be amazed with him that God could use you?

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way.

Giving Mercy

1 Peter 3:9

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

One truth is that hurting people hurt others. If healing is to occur – we need for people to break the chain of hurting each other. In marriage counseling I often run into couples who are in a vicious cycle of tit for tat (equivalent retaliation) – he/she did this or said this and so I must say this back! Trying to give as much as we get is not healthy. The Old Testament tooth for tooth justice is not good for trying to heal relationships. Turning the other cheek is what will bring about healing.

Often – in marriage counseling – we have to come to ground zero – a place where we call time out and suggest a cleaning of the slate – forgetting/forgiving the past – because the past has so much baggage and distress – it is hard to move forward. I’m not suggesting the past isn’t important or shouldn’t be dealt with – eventually – but in order to move beyond the breaking point – a cleansing often has to occur. The camel’s back broke from the weight of one more piece of straw because there was so much straw already on its back. If – even temporarily – each straw can be dealt with one at a time rather than as part of the pile. When we get to the place where we have to try canceling the past – we usually give each partner some things to work on – like work on loving their partner and respecting their partner – even if they don’t merit it. Showing love and respect often allows for a space for healing.