SATURDAY October 1, 2022
Approved by the Word of God
So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
Acts 2:12
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and fell upon 120 people in an upper room. There was fire, wind and tongues. Interestingly, I believe if Peter had not taken the time to give a biblical explanation of what took place, then, probably, we today would have had to deal with all kinds of false doctrines. Know this: any experience must be approved by biblical doctrine––biblical doctrine is foundational.
The Jews who had gathered saw the wind, fire and tongues, and perplexed, they asked a good question, “Whatever could this mean?” Pentecost would be explained doctrinally. Thankfully, Peter stood and took the time to give a biblical explanation for what happened.
If you find yourself in a church, and you see something weird happen, ask the pastors or the elders that same question, “What does this mean?” Ask them to prove the experience to you through the Word of God. If the experience is not in the Word of God, you cannot take it as a true Christian experience. Why? In the Bible, we are warned that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He can do miracles and wonders. When you read about the plagues in Egypt, Satan was able to duplicate everything except when it came to creating life (Exodus 7:14-11:10). Only God can create life.
When you diligently take time to sit and study the Word of God by yourself, God will speak and minister to you through the Scriptures. When God speaks to me through His Word, what amazes me is that, when I read commentaries by Spurgeon, Tozer and Moody, what God has shown to me, He has shown to them. It is a wonderful confirmation.
As we read the Bible individually, we can have different applications for our lives. We see the Scriptures through different eyes, but doctrinally, the Word of God never changes; it remains the same. There is nothing new under the sun.
The Word of God must be read and heard with diligence that so you may arrive to the knowledge that is needful for you.
~Cotton Mather~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
