“But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.”

I Corinthians 14:6-12 NKJV

Why muse about such things on your Facebook page? Why crack the lid on what has historically been a place of contention and even division? (Please read Part 1 to catch up)

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Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

I Corinthians 14:1-5

I did not initially embrace Pentecostal / Charismatic (Continuationist) theology because I experienced some emotional or ecstatic phenomena. I did not land in this square because I was overwhelmed in a moment by the Holy Spirit (although I would not discount that possibility). But rather, I wrestled with Scripture for numerous years and refused to be hermeneutically strong-armed into a cessationist position which left far more questions for me than answers. I have listened to untold numbers of sermons and teaching on chapters 12-14 in I Corinthians, which quite honestly left me irritated at the so called expositor. Now, I do understand that people might land in some differing squares of interpretation with regards to spiritual gifts and especially tongues, but the square you land in must be Scripturally solid and not simply personally preferred or be denominational “pre-understandings” which were absorbed through Sunday School or group think.

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I have written my thoughts on public education before and every time I do I get some of the most fierce blowback of any subject on which I might pontificate. That dynamic, in and of itself, might warrant some exploration, as the normal spiritual analysis of such a phenomena would be that you challenged someone’s idol. Why else would one be so touchy about analyzing a secular, government establishment? 

That said, I certainly understand that the public education system has been almost sacrosanct in the public mentality throughout its history. It is true that upon its establishment we believed collectively that the education of our children was beneficial to ALL people and civilization in general. Of course, that premise was formed when education was more about reading, writing , and arithmetic rather than social engineering, gender dysphoria, and drag queen story hours. It was also considered beneficial as the culture was predominantly Christian and its leaders and teachers were most often committed Christian people. Even into the 1990’s, my sons had Baptist preachers’ wives as their teachers in public school and it provided some sense of confidence concerning their education. But that era has passed.

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I have written previously of my history and experiences within the Church of the Nazarene. In my 45 year journey with Jesus, my time spent within those circles appears minimal. Seven years of education (B.A. and M.Div) and almost 5 years of pastoring (Ohio and California) only create approximately 25% of spiritual input. However, that 25% left marks on me that were both beneficial and detrimental. I have tried, in as much as one can, to be fair, objective, and gracious in my reflections through the years. No earthly institution is perfect because it is run by broken, sinful, and dysfunctional people. No matter how loud or often you preach the doctrine of entire sanctification, you cannot escape that reality. I preface the blog with these remarks because I find it painful to comment on a movement based on a book which it had no hand in creating, at least, not a direct hand; but there lies the problem. While the Oords’ latest book, “Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming”, is not denominationally sanctioned, it certainly found its germination within its soil. The book contains essays and chapters written by former and current Nazarene elders and while Oord is no longer teaching at a Nazarene University, he is still ordained and credentialed within its ranks.

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Allow to begin with an important caveat before I expand on my thoughts. I would never diminish the role or call of a counselor. The first reason is the Bible makes place for counseling and soliciting input from wise and experienced voices. So, if you happen to be reading and your ministry or vocation fits within the counseling “lane”, please understand I affirm and acknowledge your important role in helping people find emotional and psychological wholeness and health. It is no deep dark secret, as Tracie and I have shared this fact openly and publicly, that we have both solicited counseling personally and as a couple through our 40+ years of marriage and ministry. Frankly, I don’t see how any normal person can avoid it.

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