Pastor’s Thoughts – 04-12-2026

As we study God’s Word, we should be constantly aware that there are essential things that require our attention to correctly understand any passages we read. The Bible itself in its original languages is the inspired and inerrant Holy Word of God. It is a privilege to study and derive its truth. We know it is God Himself communicating to us through men who were led by the Holy Spirit (1 Pet.1:21). That being stated, we should also understand the responsibility we have to, “Be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). When we misread or misunderstand certain portions of Scripture and pass along our errors to others, we are putting ourselves in the category of being ashamed. Depending on the nature of the error, this can be very serious. Certainly, there are essentials out of the Word of God that we dare not address with poor theology, and then there are lesser essentials. All of us are learners and maturing in Christ. To correctly study a passage or portions of Scripture there is a need to look carefully at the context, the purpose for the writing, the audiences being addressed, the cultures, and the time in which the writing took place. We should also do word studies, using the many sources that are available.

One of the separating interpretive issues of our day has to do with the supernatural gifts that God has given in some eras for His purposes. It is obvious the Lord Jesus manifested all manner of supernatural abilities during His ministry on earth. These works validated Him as the Messiah. He stated, “The testimony I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me” (John 5:36). Some of these same supernatural abilities carried over into the early development of the church. The apostles exercised supernatural abilities, and at times others also had special gifts. To put it simply, miracles occurred during particular periods especially to authenticate God’s work. The gift of speaking in foreign languages was given on the Day of Pentecost, which is considered the beginning point of the church. This we believe was the purpose of God to validate what was taking place as His work. These gifts are seen in the narrative of the book of Acts which is the account of the beginnings of the church. It was a transition period from the old covenants through Israel to the new covenant church. Some of these gifts are also seen in Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth which was written around 55 AD. These are not seen or discussed in any other epistle of the New Testament leaving the conclusion that they ceased.

Some Christian denominations believe that some of these gifts are still active today. However, these gifts ceased early on with the apostles and the writing of the New Testament Scriptures. The completed Scriptures have taken the place of all the other means of God’s revelation to man. Before the Scriptures God communicated through various means including angels, prophets, and apostles. Paul says referencing the completed canon of Scripture, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This declares that the Scripture is all we need in order to know God and His will on all essential matters.

The understanding of the adequacy and essential character of the Word of God as the unique and only present source of knowing His will in this current era is the catalyst for in depth and careful study of His Word. Those who claim other means such as modern-day apostles or prophets, or direct revelations from God violate what the Word itself warns against. In Revelation 22:18-19, we are told that no person is to add to the words of this book or take away from the words of this book. In 1st Corinthians where they were practicing remnants of remaining supernatural gifts from the previous era, and were violating their intended use, Paul gave a preview of the cessation of these gifts; “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with” (1 Cor. 13:8). Paul would go on to say, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three, but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). It is most interesting that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord, and Paul would later write to Timothy, “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5). “Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). Indeed, our faith and hope are in what the Bible declares, which moves us in the deepest appreciation and love for God. The Bible does this perfectly. We need nothing else. How very privileged we are to have the completed Word of God.