Frankly, this is the most difficult episode in the series and it is not for sissies. We're going to put you to work with 25 minutes of straight talk about the second most hotly debated subject among God's people - the issue of tongues. We'll show from the Word of God why biblical tongues are not present, and why present tongues are not biblical. We'll explain their nature, classification and use in Biblical times and deal with those claims that tongues still function as a prayer language. We present this study because we love those who are caught up in falsely imagined manifestations, and we want to protect the next generation from making the same errors. Will you let your experience dictate your belief, or rest firmly on the Word of God? Serious learners may want to listen to this podcast twice. Remember, we're always here to interact :)

You may be sure that the more precious the gift from God, the more relentlessly Satan will work to spoil it. What we commonly call the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our placement into the body of Christ, is the most wonderful gift God has provided for us. Not only are we saved as a result of it, we become one with each other and one with Christ. It is the testimony of our community and fellowship, regardless of our church preferences. We, being many, are one - in Christ! Don't be seduced by those who suggest that this baptism comes after salvation, thus implying that there are two classes of believers - the Spirit baptized and the non-Spirit baptized. You're in the body now, and the ground is level at the foot of the cross!

A truly biblical understanding of spiritual gifts begins with an understanding of biblical signs, their definition, their stated purpose, and the biblical prophecies concerning them.  Once these come into focus, it becomes easy for the Christian to discern between false and true signs.  The modern day signs and wonders movement have moved a long distance from these biblical foundations.  Join us in this important study!

As usual, where great controversy lies, so does some great truth that our adversary wants to obscure. We're dipping our toes into some of the most debated passages in God's Word, and as we will see, the problem doesn't lie with the Bible. It lies with our careless reading. Spiritual gifts are a precious legacy of our placement in Christ - equipping us to minister His Word. Lay the foundation of our study with us. It would be very helpful for you to download the supplemental handout entitled Spiritual Gifts Visuals A B and C at the bottom of our podcast page.

All New Testament doctrines have their roots in Old Testament truth. There are no exceptions. To approach the study of spiritual gifts without digging into the Old Testament roots which support these truths leads us to inevitable confusion. Before tackling all the issues surrounding this important study we'll open our Old Testaments and learn: How and why these gifts are associated with the Holy Spirit, how they relate to spiritual conflict, and why spiritual gifts are associated with building Christ's New Testament "temple," the church.  If at all possible, please follow along with your open Bible. We'll be covering some heavy duty scripture!

For every truth of God, a counterfeit has been laid alongside. For every true worship experience, a false one has been trumpeted by the forces of evil. Before the apostle Paul ever discusses the use and abuse of spiritual gifts, he gives us a short course in false spiritual manifestations and teaches us explicitly how to avoid these pitfalls. While some Bible believers can discern truth from error, a much smaller percentage can discern false worship and the exercise of false spiritual gifts. It's time to hone our skills once again, lest we and our own loved ones fall into the ecstasy trap!

Things can get animated very quickly when the discussion of spiritual gifts pops up in our conversation. We have devoted nine segmented studies in the podcasts which follow -in order to eat the proverbial elephant one bite at a time. While you do not need to listen to this overview you will benefit by it :).

Mind your manners! Just as we are now eating more meals in front of our TV's than at our dinner tables, we are also diminishing the importance and practice of the Lord's table or communion. A healthy believer will be as enthused about sharing the Lord's supper as he is about his daily meals. Neglected tables always result in neglected health! Take a refresher course on good "table manners," as we consider the use and abuse of this most precious tradition - given to us by the Lord Himself.

Step out of the auditorium with me and into the study. We need to have a quiet conversation about the matter of authority - as it relates to the practices of husbands and wives in the assembly. We'll also be dealing with the touchy issue of head coverings. We'll underscore the dominating principle Paul is setting down, and when we do understand it, we'll find it much easier to determine our own positions regarding the head covering issue. If at all possible, however, we urge you visit StandingTrue.com and download the handout associated with this study entitled: Hair Today. You will find a link at the bottom of our Standing True Podcast page.

There! We actually did it! We used the "s" word! The rich and profound doctrine of biblical separation has been abused by legalists, vilified by liberals, and totally ignored by the majority of folks who live between these extremes. In our present passage, Paul links the discussion of separation with the principle of participation. By helping us understand what our participation in the Lord's table teaches he gifts us with a dynamic, working tool which will settle the issue of what separation is (and is not) once and for all. Do you know where to draw the lines in your home and church? Learn the principle and walk away from the debate once and for all.