Episode 213: Prophecy- What It Is & What It Isn't

In our journey of faith, we often encounter the profound mystery of spiritual gifts and, particularly, prophecy generates much debate among Christians. This episode of Mavericks & Misfits challenges us to reconsider our understanding of prophetic ministry in the New Testament era. We are reminded that while Old Testament prophecy carried the full weight of divine authority, the New Testament gift of prophecy requires discernment and testing within the community of believers. This shift emphasizes our collective responsibility in stewarding this particular spiritual gift. The Apostle Paul's exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 becomes our guiding principle: 'Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.' This teaching invites us to embrace the prophetic with wisdom, encouraging a balanced approach that neither rejects nor blindly accepts every prophetic word as unquestionably being sent from God. As we navigate this delicate terrain, we are called to cultivate a spirit of discernment, rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, fostering a mature and responsible engagement with prophetic ministry in our contemporary faith communities.

Episode 211: Supernatural Powers of Healings & Miracles

In this exploration of spiritual gifts, we delve into the complex and often misunderstood realms of healing and miracles. Today’s episode challenges us to examine our beliefs about these two gifts of the Spirit, urging us to find a balance between robust faith and specific biblical understanding about what these gifts are and how they are used. We're reminded that while the gifts of healings (plural in the original Greek) and miracles are real and available today, yet they don't always manifest as we expect. The examples of Paul, who healed many but also had ministry partners that were not instantly healed, teach us humility and dependence on God's will and the need for growing faith. This episode also encourages us to pursue these two gifts earnestly, but also to approach them with wisdom, avoiding both skepticism and presumption. It's a call to deepen our faith while remaining grounded in Scripture, reminding us that our ultimate goal is to grow closer to Jesus, not primarily to possess supernatural powers.

Episode 210: Words of Wisdom, Knowledge & Faith

Today, we jump back into three powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and the gift of faith. These gifts are not meant for personal gain or recognition, but for the common good of the body of Christ. The word of wisdom brings divine insight into complex situations, as demonstrated in Acts 15 when Peter addressed the Jerusalem council. The word of knowledge supernaturally reveals information about others, often paired with wisdom to minister effectively. Finally, the gift of faith is described as an endowment of unwavering trust in God's promises. Jeff shares about how these three gifts flow in a few individuals with whom he ministers. We are all encouraged to earnestly desire these gifts, recognizing that they all operate by faith and are meant to edify the church. Pay special attention to what is shared about the gift of faith as it is the gift that empowers the use of all the other gifts.

Episode 210: Private, Personal Praying in Tongues

In this exploration of the gift of tongues, we delve into the profound spiritual practice of praying in the Spirit. The apostle Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 14 illuminate the distinction between private and public use of tongues. We learn that praying in tongues bypasses our intellect, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede through us according to God's will. This practice requires humility and faith, as we surrender our need for understanding and control. By embracing this gift, we can experience a deeper partnership and intimacy with God, and also the edification of our own spirit. This episode of mavericks & Misfits challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and pursue this spiritual gift, reminding us that it's a journey of growth and faith.

Episode 209: The Fight Over Tongues

In this powerful exploration of the gift of tongues, we delve into the heart of a controversial yet vital aspect of Christian life, discipleship, and ministry. Today’s episode emphasizes that tongues, far from being obsolete, remain a relevant and transformative gift for believers today. We're challenged to examine our preconceptions and to open ourselves up to the supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit. Today’s podcast draws from key passages in Acts and 1 Corinthians, illustrating how tongues manifested differently yet consistently throughout early church history. This diversity reminds us that God's ways often transcend our limited understanding, calling us to faith beyond intellectual reasoning. As we contemplate the three types of tongues - prayer, praise, and prophetic - we're invited to embrace a deeper, more mysterious dimension of our relationship with God. This episode of Mavericks & Misfits encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and into a realm where the Spirit edifies us in ways our minds cannot fully comprehend.

Episode 208: What If We Were Taught Error About the Gifts?

As we continue to explore the gifts of the Holy Spirit on Mavericks & Misfits, we are challenged in this episode to reconsider our understanding of the Holy Spirit's active role in our lives today. Spiritual gifts are not just a theological debate, but a vital aspect of our Christian walk. The Bible alone must settle the ongoing debate about the modern validity of spiritual gifts. This teaching encourages us to study Scripture with an open mind, seeking God's truth rather than relying solely on denominational teachings. We are called to earnestly desire spiritual gifts – that has to mean something! Whoever reached you first with their teachings on Holy Spirit gifts is likely the source of what you still believe today. But what if you were taught error? This episode invites us to examine our own beliefs and practices, challenging us to grow in our understanding and use of spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Body of Christ.

Episode 207: The Gifts of the Spirit

In this latest episode of Mavericks & Misfits, we are challenged to reconsider our understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The core teaching comes from 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are given to each believer for the common good of the church. We are reminded that these gifts aren't just for a select few or limited to a specific time in history, but are meant for all believers today. Or are they? Many Jesus-loving, Kingdom-advancing Christians emphatically deny that Holy Spirit gifts continue today. This episode encourages us to embrace both the Word of God and the gifts of the Spirit, rather than choosing between them ourselves or forcing others to do so. As we reflect on this, we're invited to examine our own beliefs and ask ourselves: Are we fully embracing all that God has for us through His Spirit?

Episode 206: The Waiting Season

In this exploration of waiting seasons, we are reminded that God's timing is often different from our own. This episode emphasizes that waiting isn't about inactivity, but about faithful service and character development. We're encouraged to embrace these seasons as opportunities for growth, learning to trust in God's perfect plan. Jeff draws from the words of Jesus in Luke 21:19, 'In your patience possess your souls,' highlighting the spiritual importance of endurance and steadfastness. This message challenges us to shift our focus from seeking immediate success to developing Christ-like character, reminding us that our ultimate calling is to become more like Jesus.