The things that He has taught us regarding the use of spiritual gifts are not to be violated. He commands that we obey His commands and not allow the church to descend into a chaos of each person demanding their rights.

People will ask, “should you design the worship services for Christians or for non Christians?” I actually think that is a false dichotomy one that has been unfortunately created by people who have in some instances abandoned the gospel.

When we don’t actually use spiritual gifts by committing ourselves to the service of others to the glory of God, they can become like museum pieces, set behind glass, relegated to history lessons.

Paul wants the local church to celebrate the gifts but the center of the life of the church is to be a teaching of the gospel.

It is never good enough to have an exercise of Spiritual gifts if you are not thoroughly instructed over and over again by the word of God. Celebrate the gifts? Yes but never in a context by themselves

It’s sometimes surprising even shocking for people to finally realize the truth of 1 Corinthians 14:2. “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God.”The spiritual gift of tongues is never a subset under prophecy. Tongues is never a message to people.

I’ve thought about entitling my address, “Tongues and Prophecy without Controversy.” As much as I would have hoped this was the case I suspect it to be somewhat naïve. I doubt that I can explain this passage in such a way that will satisfy everyone. But I am going to try!

The church is called upon to be directly obedient to Jesus under the leadership of 1st– the apostles – 2nd the prophets – and 3rd– the pastors and teachers.