By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Trust in God, not man part 3
Pastor's corner
pastor corner

God has given man his word and it must be the thing upon which one bases his or her religious beliefs.

It is inspired of God, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It is not the words of men, though men penned it. They were directed by the Holy Spirit as to what to write (2 Peter 1:20-21). Uninspired men have tried to rewrite the Bible from time to time. Each time they fail in their efforts.

The word of God is not to be altered to suit the desires of men. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deuteronomy 4:2).

"Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:6).

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18-19).

This is why we must make sure we have a translation of the scriptures that is reliable. The King James Version and the American Standard Version of 1901 still remain the most reliable.

There have been three dispensations of time, the Patriarchal, the Mosaic and now Christianity. God has never left man without direction. Even in the Garden of Eden, man was told by God things he was allowed to do and things he was not to do.

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17).

It was during this period that God spoke to the fathers to direct them as to what was acceptable and what was not. It was during this time that God promised to send Christ, (Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:1-3).

The first written law came in the time of Moses. God gave that law because of the sinfulness of the people. They had gotten away from God, so the Law was given to give them direction on how to get back to God until Christ would come.

"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe" (Galatians 3:19-22).

God has always wanted man to trust him. He has always directed man to do just that.

Sign up for our e-newsletters