Awkward Church: Speaking in Tongues

In this message from our Awkward Church series, we lean into one of the most misunderstood and debated spiritual gifts in the Bible: speaking in tongues.

For many, this topic produces curiosity, confusion, or even anxiety. Some grew up in environments where tongues were manipulated as a badge of spirituality. Others grew up in churches that avoided it altogether because it felt strange or uncomfortable. But what if the standard isn't what feels normal — but what Scripture actually teaches?

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 12–14, Acts 2, and John 16:7, this message explores what the Bible says about tongues, why the gift exists, how it functions in corporate worship, and how to pursue it with maturity and love.

Jesus said it was to our advantage that He return to the Father so the Holy Spirit could come. Salvation is not just what Jesus saves us from — it's what He saves us into. The Holy Spirit forms Christ's character in us (fruit) and empowers Christ's mission through us (gifts).

What Is Speaking in Tongues?

The Greek word glōssa simply means "languages."

According to 1 Corinthians 14:2, when someone speaks in a tongue, they speak not to people but to God — uttering mysteries by the Spirit. It is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit enabling a believer to speak in a language they have never learned.

In Acts 2, tongues functioned as known human languages used evangelistically. In 1 Corinthians 14, tongues are described as speech directed toward God that is not understood without interpretation.

Not contradiction — category.

Scripture reveals that tongues can function both outwardly (missionally) and inwardly (personally), depending on the context and purpose.

Two Unhealthy Responses to Tongues

1. Manipulation "If you don't speak in tongues, you're not saved or not spiritual enough."

2. Avoidance "This feels weird, so let's pretend it doesn't exist."

But Paul commands believers to do something different:

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit." — 1 Corinthians 14:1

Not fruit instead of gifts. Not gifts without fruit. Both. Love without power is incomplete. Power without love is abusive.

Why Order and Maturity Matter

In Corinth, the problem wasn't the gift — it was immaturity in how it was used.

They prioritized personal experience over corporate edification. They created confusion instead of clarity.

Paul reminds the church:

• Tongues build the individual.

• Prophecy builds the church.

• Everything must be done in a fitting and orderly way.

• God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40)

The cure for abuse of a gift is not disuse — but right use.

What Is the Purpose of Tongues?

According to Scripture:

• It is prayer and praise directed toward God.

• It builds up the believer spiritually. (Jude 1:20)

• It strengthens your inner world.

• It can be used privately and personally.

• In corporate settings, it requires interpretation when addressing the whole church.

Paul even says:

"I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you." — 1 Corinthians 14:18

Tongues are not merely a church moment — they are a life practice.

A Call to Hunger and Faith

Throughout Scripture, God responds to hunger.

Speaking in tongues is not about losing control. The Holy Spirit does not override your will. You step out in faith. You open your mouth. God meets you in motion.

Transformation without the Holy Spirit is temporary. Behavior modification is possible without Him. But the Jesus-life requires the Jesus-Spirit.

The real question is not, "Is this awkward?" The real question is, "If the Spirit and His gifts are real, why keep Him at arm's length?"

Whether you are skeptical, curious, wounded from past church experiences, or hungry for more of God, this message invites you to pursue the Holy Spirit with discernment, humility, maturity, and faith.

Sometimes we must push through awkward to experience growth.

Scripture References: John 16:7 Acts 2:1–11 1 Corinthians 12–14 Jude 1:20

Keywords: Filmore Bouldes, Onechurch, Speaking in tongues explained, gift of tongues sermon, Holy Spirit baptism, 1 Corinthians 14 teaching, spiritual gifts in the church, Acts 2 tongues, praying in the Spirit, Pentecostal theology, charismatic gifts, Awkward Church series

Thinking Differently About Sex

In this message, Thinking Differently About Sex, we confront one of the most powerful and culturally shaped areas of our lives: our sexuality. In a world loud about sex—but often silent about God's design—Scripture invites us to renew our minds and rediscover what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Rooted in Romans 12:2, this sermon calls believers to reject cultural patterns and allow God's Word to reshape how we think about sex. Since the sexual revolution, our society has reframed sex as casual, recreational, and primarily individual. But the Bible presents a radically different vision—one that is sacred, covenantal, and deeply spiritual.

This message unpacks four transformational shifts:

1. Think Differently About Sex

Sex is not a human invention. It is God's idea.

In Genesis 1:27–31, the first command given to humanity—"Be fruitful and multiply"—involves sex. Before sin, before shame, before distortion, sex was declared "very good."

God is not prudish. Christians are not anti-pleasure. Scripture affirms sexual delight within God's design. As seen in Genesis 2:24–25, the first marriage was marked by nakedness and no shame. Shame entered through sin—not through sex itself.

The Bible does not begin with "Don't." It begins with a positive vision of beauty, covenant, and joy.

2. Think Differently About Marriage

Why does the Bible make such a big deal about sex outside of marriage?

Because sex is not merely physical—it is spiritual unity. In Genesis, two become "one flesh." The Hebrew word echad describes a profound fusion. Sex bonds at the deepest levels of body and soul.

Marriage is the only covenant strong enough to hold that kind of power. It includes:

• Covenant

• Permanence

• Exclusivity

• Public promise

As 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 teaches, sex within marriage is mutual self-giving—not self-centered consumption. It is both intimacy and protection. Paul even frames healthy marital intimacy as a safeguard against temptation.

Sex outside of marriage is asking your body to say what your life has not promised.

3. Think Differently About Sexual Sin

Scripture treats sexual sin with unique seriousness. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul says sexual immorality is a sin against one's own body. Sexual sin is not "just physical." It shapes desires, bonds, expectations, and identity.

That is why the command is not to "manage" temptation—but to flee it. The safest response to sexual temptation is not resistance—it is distance.

Jesus echoes this urgency in Matthew 5:27–30, calling for ruthless elimination of whatever feeds lust. Obedience often requires removing access points—habits, environments, digital triggers—that make holiness harder than it needs to be.

Sexual sin distorts. God's truth liberates.

4. Think Differently About Your Identity

Three times in 1 Corinthians 6, Paul says, "Do you not know?"

• Your body is a member of Christ.

• Sexual union makes you one flesh.

• Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

You are not your own. You were bought at a price.

Your identity in Christ shapes what you do with your body. When Jesus is Lord of your boundaries, you experience freedom. When you make yourself lord, you experience bondage.

This message closes with the hope of John 8:10–11: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

The gospel is not shame—it is transformation. It is never too late to begin again.

Whether you are single, married, struggling, healing, or rebuilding, this message invites you to renew your mind and rediscover God's good design for sex—one that leads not to restriction, but to freedom.

Scripture References: Romans 12:2 Genesis 1:27–31 Genesis 2:24–25 Proverbs 5:18–19 1 Corinthians 6:15–20 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 Matthew 5:27–30 John 8:10–11

Keywords: Christian view of sex, biblical sexuality sermon, sexual purity sermon, Romans 12:2 explained, 1 Corinthians 6 teaching, sex and marriage sermon, Christian sexual ethics, overcoming sexual sin, identity in Christ, temple of the Holy Spirit

Marriage Myths

In this message, Marriage Myths, we confront some of the most widely believed — and deeply damaging — lies about marriage in modern culture. From "marriage isn't worth it" to "marriage exists to make me happy" to "submission means inferiority," this sermon challenges cultural narratives and re-centers marriage on God's design.

Rooted in Ephesians 5:21–33, the Apostle Paul shows us that marriage only makes sense when viewed through reverence for Christ. Before addressing wives and husbands specifically, Paul begins with a foundational command:

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Biblical marriage begins with mutual humility, Spirit-filled living, and a shared submission to Jesus as Lord. When reverence for Christ is removed, marriage becomes distorted by trauma, culture, Hollywood, social media, or personal experience.

This message tackles three major myths:

Myth 1: Marriage is not worth pursuing. Many are delaying or avoiding marriage not just because it's hard to find the right person — but because they're unsure it's even good. Yet marriage is not a social construct or tax benefit; it is a God-created covenant rooted in Genesis 2. Before sin, before nations, before cities — there was marriage. And according to Ephesians 5:32, marriage ultimately points to Christ and the Church. Marriage is worth pursuing because it preaches the gospel.

Myth 2: Marriage exists to make me happy. While marriage brings joy, happiness is the byproduct — not the goal. Christ loved the Church not merely to make her happy, but to make her holy. In the same way, God uses marriage to shape our character, deepen our maturity, and form Christlikeness in us. The question in marriage is not, "What am I getting?" but "Who am I becoming?"

Myth 3: Submission means inferiority & headship means oppression. In a culture sensitive to power dynamics, Paul's words can feel triggering. But biblical submission does not mean women are less valuable, voiceless, or called to tolerate abuse. It means voluntarily honoring God's design for order — just as Christ submitted to the Father without being inferior.

Likewise, headship does not mean dominance or control. Christ's authority looked like sacrifice. It looked like a cross. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church — initiating love, creating safety, nourishing faith, and laying down their lives.

When authority looks like Jesus, it doesn't shrink a woman — it strengthens her.

Marriage is not primarily about emotion; it is about mission. In Genesis 2, God gave Adam responsibility before He gave him a wife. Marriage began as partnership in God's purposes — shoulder to shoulder, moving in the same direction. The most lifeless marriages are the ones that exist only for themselves. Healthy marriages cultivate something that reflects the goodness of Eden and previews the Kingdom to come.

Whether you are single, dating, married, divorced, or rebuilding — this message invites you to examine your lens. Have your beliefs about marriage been shaped by myth, or by the fear of the Lord?

Marriage has value. Marriage has purpose. Marriage has mission. And marriage, when done God's way, displays Christ to the world.

Scripture References: Ephesians 5:21–33 Genesis 2:15–24 Matthew 19:4–6

Keywords: Onechurch, Filmore Bouldes, Christian marriage sermon, Ephesians 5 explained, biblical submission, biblical headship, marriage myths, Christian relationship advice, God's design for marriage, marriage and holiness, Spirit-filled marriage, Christ and the Church

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Before You Say I Do

In this message, Before You Say I Do, we tackle one of the most confusing and emotionally charged topics of our time—dating. While the Bible doesn't speak directly about modern dating apps, DMs, or "talking stages," it speaks clearly about wisdom, holiness, and God's design for marriage. This sermon offers a biblical framework to navigate dating with clarity, courage, and conviction in a culture that has lost its way.

Tracing the history of dating—from community-guided marriages, to courtship, to modern dating, online platforms, and hookup culture—this message helps us understand how we arrived at a place where intimacy is disconnected from commitment and relationships feel disposable. If you desire marriage but feel discouraged, confused, or burned out by dating, this sermon names the tension and points toward a better way.

Grounded in Proverbs, Matthew 19, Genesis 24, Ephesians 5, and 1 Corinthians 6, this message reframes dating not as a status to camp in, but as a process of evaluation. Dating exists for one primary question: "Is this someone I could marry?"

The sermon addresses several unhelpful dating approaches, including:

• The Shopping Daters who treat people like products

• The Over-Spiritual Daters who use God-language to avoid courage or clarity

• The Indefinite Hang-Out Daters who stay in ambiguity to avoid commitment

Using the story of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24), we explore what Scripture actually prioritizes when it comes to choosing a spouse: shared faith, godly character, physical attraction, relational chemistry, and shared direction. The message emphasizes that character is revealed in patterns, not potential, and that marriage lasts more on friendship than romance.

This sermon also speaks honestly about sexual boundaries, reminding us that the Bible recognizes only two relationship categories—single or married—and that physical intimacy is a sacred gift meant for covenant, not casual dating. Rather than asking, "How far is too far?" we're invited to ask, "How can we honor Jesus, our bodies, and one another?"

Practical wisdom is given for dating well, including:

• Going to the right places

• Praying before pursuing

• Dating with pace

• Building friendship before infatuation

• Inviting trusted community into your relationship

Whether you are single, dating, married, divorced, widowed, or rebuilding, this message is not about shame—it's about surrender. Jesus does not wait for a perfect story; He redeems broken ones. From that place of love, God brings restoration, wisdom, and direction forward.

Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5–7 Matthew 19:4–11 Genesis 24 Ephesians 5:25 1 Corinthians 6:16–20 Proverbs 11:14 Proverbs 24:6

Keywords: Onechurch, Filmore Bouldes, Christian dating sermon, biblical dating advice, before you say I do sermon, Christian relationships, dating with wisdom, God's design for marriage, sexual purity sermon, dating and faith, Genesis 24 sermon, Matthew 19 marriage

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Love Life: Living Single

In this message, Living Single, we confront one of the most common—and misunderstood—seasons of life in our culture today. Nearly half of adults are unmarried, yet singleness is often treated as a problem to fix instead of a calling to steward. This sermon reframes singleness not as a waiting room for "real life," but as a meaningful, God-ordained season filled with grace, freedom, and purpose.

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 7:25–35, the Apostle Paul offers a radically countercultural vision of singleness. In a society obsessed with marriage, status, and sexual expression, Scripture declares that singleness is not an incomplete life. In fact, some of the most impactful lives in the Bible—including Jesus, Paul, John the Baptist, Jeremiah, Daniel, Nehemiah, and Anna the prophetess—were lived single.

This sermon addresses the pressure singles often feel from family, friends, church culture, and society—and speaks directly to questions like: Am I behind? Is something wrong with me? Does my life really matter if I'm single?

Paul reminds us that the gift of singleness is not the absence of desire for marriage, but a unique supply of grace to live faithfully and fruitfully right now. Singleness offers a distinct freedom to serve God with fewer distractions—not to waste time, but to maximize impact.

The message also speaks clearly and compassionately about sexual integrity, celibacy, and why Scripture treats sexual sin differently—not as shame or punishment, but as protection. Sex is not casual, merely physical, or consequence-free; it is a sacred, God-designed union meant for the covenant of marriage.

If you are single, dating, waiting, discouraged, or feeling forgotten, this sermon invites you to stop seeing singleness as a delay and start embracing it as a divine assignment. The goal of life is not marriage—it is obedience. Marriage is honored, but not idolized. Singleness is not about what you abstain from; it's about who you pursue.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 7:7–9, 25–35 Genesis 2:24–25 1 Corinthians 6:16–20 John 4:18

Keywords: Onechurch, Filmore Bouldes, Living Single sermon, Christian singleness, biblical view of singleness, 1 Corinthians 7 sermon, Christian dating, sexual purity sermon, celibacy in Christianity, Love Life series, singleness and purpose, God's design for relationships

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The Missing Love

In week one of our Love Life series, The Missing Love, we confront a question most of us feel but rarely name: Why does love fade—even when we try hard? This message challenges the assumption that relational breakdowns happen simply because something is wrong with them or us, and instead invites us to consider a deeper truth—we often fall out of love with God before we fall out of love with people.

Rooted in 1 John 4:7–19, this sermon reveals that human love was always meant to flow from God's love. Love doesn't begin with chemistry, effort, or compatibility—it begins with God. When our connection to Him weakens, love doesn't disappear; it distorts, strains, and collapses under pressure.

Through three biblical stories—Adam & Eve, Abraham & Sarah, and Jacob & Rachel—we see a clear pattern: Love breaks when God's love is distrusted. Love becomes destructive when God feels slow. Love collapses when relationships become ultimate.

This message reminds us that Christianity doesn't downgrade romance—it explains why it matters so deeply and why it breaks so easily. Romantic love is a gift, but it was never meant to be the source. When we ask people to give us what only God can provide, relationships buckle under impossible expectations.

If you're single, dating, married, discouraged, waiting, or carrying disappointment in relationships, this sermon invites you to stop striving to love better and instead return to receiving God's love first. Because when love dries up horizontally, it's often because it's been disconnected vertically.

Scripture References: 1 John 4:7–19 Genesis 2:23 Genesis 3:1–10 Genesis 16 Genesis 29–30 Matthew 10:8

Keywords: Onechurch, Filmore Bouldes, Love Life series, The Missing Love sermon, God's love and relationships, Christian dating sermon, marriage sermon, why love fades, 1 John 4 sermon, biblical view of love, relationships and faith, God's love sermon

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Why You Can Trust The Bible

In this message, Why You Can Trust the Bible, we address one of the most common and important questions people are asking today: Can I really trust Scripture? In a world where calendars change, systems shift, and opinions trend, this sermon points us to a God who does not change—and a Word that stands firm across time, cultures, and generations.

Rooted in Hebrews 4:12–13, this message explains why the Bible is not a weapon or a rulebook, but a living and active invitation into rest, healing, and transformation. We explore how Scripture reveals not just information, but a Person—Jesus—who is the central theme of all of God's Word. From Genesis to the Gospels, the Bible tells one unified story of a God in relentless pursuit of His people.

This sermon unpacks four clear reasons we can trust the Bible: Jesus affirmed it as God's spoken Word. History preserved it through thousands of manuscripts across centuries. Evidence confirms it through textual scholarship and archaeology. Life reveals it as God still speaks, guides, convicts, and restores today.

Addressing common doubts—claims of corruption, alteration, and misuse—this message brings clarity with both truth and grace, showing that Christianity does not begin with a book, but with a Savior who trusted Scripture Himself. Ultimately, this message invites us to move beyond merely liking Jesus or church and into falling in love with Jesus through His Word.

If you're tired, worn out, burned out on religion, or unsure what God is saying to you, this message reminds us that God has already spoken—and His Word still offers rest for your soul, direction for today, and hope for tomorrow.

Scripture References: Hebrews 4:9–13 Psalm 1:2–3 Matthew 22:31–32 2 Peter 3:16 1 Peter 3:15 Matthew 11:28–30

Keywords: onechurch, Levi Smith, Why you can trust the Bible, Bible reliability sermon, Word of God sermon, Hebrews 4 sermon, trusting Scripture, Christian apologetics sermon, Bible evidence, Jesus and Scripture, God's Word sermon, Bible truth message, rest for your soul sermon

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In Your Dreams?

In this message, In Your Dreams?, we explore what it truly means to dream big with God and how our dreams are meant to outlive us. Rooted in Ephesians 3:16–21, this sermon challenges shallow ambition and invites us into dreams that are anchored in God's power, purpose, and eternal impact.

Using the story of Joseph the dreamer, this message confronts hard but necessary questions: How long can you stay awake to hold on to your dream? Are you dreaming big about very small things? Will your dream still matter after you're gone? Scripture reminds us that dreams disconnected from God may succeed temporarily—but they cannot carry eternal weight.

This sermon unpacks three essential questions for anyone pursuing a God-sized dream: Are you open for a trade—willing to exchange comfort for calling? Are you brave enough to try, even when the outcome isn't guaranteed? Are you crazy enough to believe that God can do exceedingly, abundantly more than you could ask, think, or imagine?

If you've ever felt hesitant, discouraged, or unsure whether your dreams are worth the cost, this message will reignite faith to trust God beyond logic, lean into His strength, and pursue dreams that glorify Him long after we're gone.

Scripture References: Ephesians 3:16–21 (NLT) Ephesians 3:20–21 (AMP)

Keywords: onechurch, Charles Metcalf, dream big sermon, In Your Dreams sermon, Ephesians 3 sermon, God-sized dreams, Christian purpose, faith and dreams, Joseph the dreamer sermon, dreaming with God, Christian vision sermon, purpose-driven life message

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If You Only Knew

In this message, we walk through John 4:7–29, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, and uncover how Jesus confronts our tendency to settle for less than the life God offers. Set during Jesus' journey through Samaria at noon, this encounter reveals a Savior who meets people in their thirst, exposes false sources of life, and offers living water that truly satisfies.

This sermon explores three powerful truths from the passage: that we are further than we think, Jesus is closer than we know, and He is better than we can imagine. Through this conversation at the well, we see how Jesus moves past surface-level fixes to heal the deeper root, removes barriers to God's presence, and invites us into direct access to peace, joy, and relationship with Him.

If you've ever felt spiritually dry, restless, or stuck settling for "good enough," this message invites you to move beyond knowing about God and into experiencing Him. Discover how true worship, faith, and transformation begin when we stop running to empty wells and take Jesus at His word.

Scripture References: John 4:7–29 Ephesians 2:14–18 Psalm 16:11 James 5:16 Philippians 4:6–7

Keywords: John 4 sermon, woman at the well, living water sermon, Jesus and the Samaritan woman, true satisfaction sermon, knowing God sermon, spiritual thirst, worship in spirit and truth, Jesus living water, Christian transformation message

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YOU HAD ONE JOB

In this message, You Had One Job, we explore Jesus' response to one of the most important questions ever asked: What is the greatest commandment? Rooted in Matthew 22:34–40, this sermon unpacks how Jesus simplifies a complex faith into one central calling—to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

This message challenges the idea that God's grace removes all responsibility and invites us to rediscover our primary role: to minister to the Lord. Drawing from Deuteronomy 10:8, the practices of the priests, and rich Hebrew meaning, we learn that ministry to God looks like both faithful service (sharath) and faithful presence (amad)—serving, worshiping, abiding, and remaining with Him.

Discover why Jesus is not only Savior but also Lord, how worship extends beyond songs into the ordinary moments of life, and how mundane obedience becomes meaningful when offered to God. This sermon calls us back to a life where loving God is not one priority among many—but the one job everything else flows from.

Scripture References: Matthew 22:34–40 Deuteronomy 10:8 1 Chronicles 23:13 Psalm 134:1 Matthew 26:37–41 Romans 10:9 Hebrews 10:14 Ephesians 2:8–9

Keywords: greatest commandment sermon, love the Lord your God, worship sermon, You Had One Job sermon, Christian worship, ministry to the Lord, Matthew 22 sermon, loving God sermon, Savior vs Lord, biblical worship, spiritual disciplines, abiding in God

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