Ep. 48: Cessationism DEBUNKED? The Truth About Speaking in Tongues & Spiritual Gifts
Are spiritual gifts still for the church today — or did they end with the apostles? In this episode, we sit down with Adam Parker to work through 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14 in full — and the answer might surprise you.
We dig into one of the most debated passages in all of Scripture: what does Paul actually mean when he says "when the perfect comes"? Is he talking about the completed Bible — or the return of Jesus Christ? And what does love have to do with speaking in tongues and prophecy?
In this episode we cover:
Why 1 Corinthians 12–14 must be read as one continuous thought
The body metaphor and why every spiritual gift matters in the church
The cessationist argument — and why the text doesn't support it
What "the perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13:10 actually refers to
Tongues vs. prophecy: Paul isn't picking sides — here's what he's really saying
The miracle of Acts 2: was it in the speaking, or in the hearing?
What orderly worship with spiritual gifts looks like today
The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit — and why we should tread carefully
Whether you're a cessationist, a continuationist, or just honestly trying to understand the Bible — this conversation is worth your time.
🙏 Together, we're going beyond denominations to the heart of the gospel.
📌 Featured Guest: Adam Parker
📖 Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12–14, Acts 2:1–18, Joel 2:28–29, Mark 10:42, 1 Corinthians 15:51–52
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00:00 Welcome Back: What Should We Expect in the Church Today?
02:51 The Body of Christ — Starting in 1 Corinthians 12
09:50 Gifts Are Not for Personal Glory
11:36 Entering the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13)
18:01 The Cessationist Argument: "When the Perfect Comes"
27:31 Why "The Perfect" Means Christ's Return — Not the Bible
32:46 Even Paul Washer Has Doubts About Cessationism
38:50 Faith, Hope & Love: Why Love Is the Greatest
55:47 Is Cessationism a Methodology, Not a Theology?
59:18 1 Corinthians 14: Tongues vs. Prophecy
1:10:00 Tongues as a Sign for Unbelievers — Explained
1:13:15 Orderly Worship: Paul's Step-by-Step Instructions
1:17:44 The "Women Keep Silent" Passage — What Paul Really Meant
1:22:22 Tongues Are for Edification, Not Performance
1:27:55 Acts 2: Was the Miracle in the Speaking or the Hearing?
1:42:30 ⚠️ Warning: The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
1:44:52 How to Pray in Tongues — Practical Advice
1:50:10 Final Blessing & Encouragement
Host of the Bold Apologia Podcast
Adam Parker is a pastor and the host of the Bold Apologia Podcast, where he engages biblical theology, culture, and spiritual discernment through a Scripture-first, Christ-centered lens. A theological continuationist, Adam emphasizes careful exegesis, doctrinal clarity, and faithfulness to the authority of God’s Word while remaining open to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. He serves in local church ministry and is passionate about equipping believers to think biblically and live faithfully in a confusing world. Adam is happily married to his wife, Laurie, and is the proud father of two daughters, Roselynne and Hope.