An article in the paper a few weeks ago dealt with the use of a building by a church that was destroyed in a storm. The church had planned a long time ago to use the building for a school but one of the members said after the storm, “We sensed it was not for a school, and that God was telling us to take a step back.”
My question is, “Whatever happened to the Bible telling us what to do?” Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Everything that pertains to “unto life and godliness” is found in the scriptures (2 Peter 1:3). The Bible is designed to direct my life so I do not have to listen for the “still small voice” of God (cp. 1 Kings 19:12). In fact, the Bible never promises that God or the Holy Spirit will communicate with a man outside of the revealed word. Every instance in the New Testament of God or the Holy Spirit directly communicating with a man occurred because God’s word was still in the process of being revealed. When something happens in our lives and we interpret it as a message from God, we are trusting in our own heart and being presumptuous! “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26). We are told that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
The member quoted in the paper was from a well-known denominational church in town. How would the members feel if a Jehovah’s Witness were in the paper saying that God had told them to do something with which they did not agree? Whose recollection of God’s demands would be correct? This is why we cannot trust in feelings or whimsical thoughts. We need a reliable standard that everyone can follow and be saved!
Kyle Campbell
