September 1995
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In the Sunday's evening services we have been studying
I Corinthians 12-14, particularly as it relates to the
modern charismatic movement and the phenomenon of
"speaking in tongues." However, one principle which has really been driven home to me is the blessing of the sufficiency of the Word of God. Modern Pentecostals claim to be getting a message directly from God which they impart either through "prophecy" or "tongues". Yet the Bible teaches that we do not need new revelation from God, for we already have all that we need in the Scriptures.
Even some within fundamentalism seem to discount the sufficiency of the Bible. "Counsellors" spend more time with Freud and Skinner than they do with Paul and Peter. Secular counselling theories and 12-step programs take precedence over the simple truth of the Word of God. Pastors are considered "inadequate" to deal with the emotional and psychological needs of their congregations, because after all, "all they have is the Bible, and that is insufficient for the needs of today. " Thus, "professionals" must be brought in, many of whom simply sprinkle Biblical terminology on the anti-Biblical entree that they are serving so as to make it palatable to undiscerning Christians. How foolish. Romans 15:4 teaches "that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. " II Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable... that the Man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.." These verses clearly teach that comfort and hope always come from the Bible! Perfection, or completeness, is a direct result of the Scriptures! All good that I may accomplish can be learned from the Word of God! I t is sufficient. According to I Peter 2:2, growth comes from partaking of "the sincere milk of the Word. " II Peter 1:3 teaches that He has given us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness. " How did He do that? The verse continues: "through the knowledge of Him that hath called us." Where does this knowledge come from? It must come from the Scriptures.
Some today seem to feel that the Bible alone is insufficient to bring a man to Christ. Some believe that men must be "reasoned" or "debated" into Heaven. Others believe that the unsaved should be enticed into a "commitment" by bringing the world's music and philosophy into the church so that the unsaved will find the church to be "user-friendly". Gospel preaching is replaced by discussions, fireside chats, comedy routines, dramas, and warmed-over psychobabble. Yet Paul again writes in II Timothy 3:15, "thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." Despite what "experts" may say, God said that He had chosen "the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe," (I Corinthians 1:21).
We need not be looking for something new. According to Revelation 22, the canon of Scripture is closed, and we need not seek.new revelation. All I need for salvation, for growth, for life, is found within the pages of the Word of God. I must study it, meditate on it, love it, and
obey it.
Your Pastor
Mark J Montgomery
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