Dear Truth Seekers,

The availability of Christian resources in America is astounding.  I dare say something has been written or recorded about every circumstance and situation that challenges every man, woman and child in this country.  I don’t know how CBD keeps up with all the books, tapes and study guides.  There must be thousands of TV stations, and tens-of-thousands of radio stations in this country – many available on the Internet.  I can’t imagine how many other websites are dedicated to the application of God’s word. 

Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  (John 8:32)  So why is the church in America so bound up?  Why has she become as captive as the world in some of the most obvious sin – abortion, divorce, pride and greed?  Is it because we are not listening (or reading)?  I don’t think so.  Let me explain by using the Pastor/Teacher resource as an example.

If we believe God is speaking through our Pastor/Teacher, then we must hear as if hearing from God.  It is perilous to dismiss what is being said, or receive it as optional instruction.  As long as it does not conflict with Scripture, we are obliged to receive what is said and work out our salvation with fear and trembling – being careful to obey the Lord.  This will be easier if we are anticipating a word from the Lord that will give us an opportunity to express our love for Him, and an opportunity for Him to increase our faith. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.  (Matthew 5:6)

As humans in this age, we are in danger of missing this great blessing.  We must resist the temptation to say, “I cannot trust the Pastor/Teacher; he is just a man.”  Yes, the Bible warns us of deceptive teaching, particularly at the end of the age.  However, we must be careful to avoid fear-based motivation.  We must reject the world’s opinion that no one can be trusted. 

Beloved, this is a distraction from the enemy, reinforced by the world and our old man (who doesn’t want to give up control).  It is not the Pastor/Teacher that we are required to trust; but the Holy Spirit – to speak through the Pastor/Teacher; to reveal what He wants us to work out; and to protect us from all that is not of Him.  Praise God, He is capable of all this! 

The offices of Pastor and Teacher were given by God to edify and equip the church.  It is not an invention of man.  God is very attentive to His will in the execution of these offices.  It is serious business for Him.  We can trust Him to satisfy the hunger and thirst of our souls. 

We should fear any attitude that puts the word of God under our judgment.  This is the original sin of man; and Satan.  It is, or will lead to, rebellion.  This is different than having a heart that studies the Scriptures after the word has been taught – to understand it more deeply.  This is something that God rewards.  However, He will not reward a heart that goes into such a study to judge or prove the truth wrong.

There are two practical applications here:

• Before hearing or reading an application of God’s word, intentionally choose to trust the Lord and obey what He has to say. Ask Him to stir up a hunger and thirst for the truth that He has for you that day. Ask Him to protect you from anything that is not from Him.
• If you find that you are struggling with this, ask Him to show you where you need deliverance or healing. Confess with faith in 1 John 1:9, and ask the Lord to help your unbelief. Have a brother or sister pray with you for guidance in any further steps that you should take (e.g., seeking forgiveness from another, being delivered from a curse).

Don’t be afraid.  The truth will set you free. 

Your servant,

Rob