" WARNING ! "

Psalm 19:9-11  "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is THY servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."

     Being warned about danger and error is another important benefit that we derive from reading and understanding GOD's WORD -- "Moreover by them is THY servant warned" (v.11a). Many pastors today boast that they are part of a "positive ministry," that is, they never speak negatively but rather emphasize only the positive messages of GOD's WORD. However, even a superficial reading of the Scriptures reveals that much of the Bible must be abandoned in order to preach only positive messages. GOD has many negative things to say in HIS WORD. HE frequently deals with the matter of sin -- and sin is extremely negative ! A ministry that is faithful to the WORD will proclaim the whole counsel of GOD, and this includes warning the sheep about the wolves who come in sheep's clothing as well as faithfully feeding the flock and working to bring others into the fold (Acts 20:28-31 pictured above). The Christians cannot pick and choose his way through Scripture -- all of IT is for our learning and exhortation (2nd.Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17 see pictured below).

     The Scriptures are to be the standard by which we judge all things. The ultimate question we must ask regarding any man, ministry, or teaching is this:  "Are they true to the WORD of GOD ?"  Everything else is inconsequential. Isaiah 8:20 (also pictured below) succinctly states this vital principle:  "To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this WORD, it is because there is no light in them." When GOD's standard is applied and the presence of error is discerned, a warning is necessary lest GOD's children be found in complicity with error. When we heed the counsel found in the Bible, we will avoid Satan's snares in our ministries and in every other matter that affects our daily life. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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