THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 340

Let's face it. Traditions might serve some sort of purpose within institutions but in no way should traditions become the sole authority over the scriptures. Neither should traditions created by individuals be permitted to override the written Word of God. When JESUS went into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, we read in the scriptures that the devil had his own interpretation of scripture, and as such spoke his deceptive interpretation as if it were authentic. However, as we also read, the LORD countered this deception with the authoritative voice of the written scriptures. Indeed, Jesus repeatedly responded by saying "It is written." There is a reason for this. There is also a message in this scriptural example for us.

Any time that JESUS was confronted by misrepresentations of scripture, JESUS always returned the dialogue to the scriptures. “It is written." We are to do the same. Why? Because the scriptures are the authority -- the written Word of God. Indeed, JESUS said that people make the scriptures irrelevant by advancing man’s traditions.

In Acts 20:27-36, Paul stated, "For I have not shunned to declare to you all of the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to feed the church of God which He has purchased with HIS OWN BLOOD. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them."

Continuing in verse 31, the scriptures warn us of these times. Reading further - "Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I CEASED NOT TO WARN EVERYONE night and day WITH TEARS. And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the WORD OF HIS GRACE, which WORD is able to build you up [in the one faith] and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver or gold or apparel. Yea, you all know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things - how that in so labouring we ought to support the weak, and to remember the WORDS of the Lord JESUS. How he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had finished speaking, Paul kneeled down and prayed with them all."

There are other scriptural references as well. For instance, Matthew 16:12 alludes to teachings with no scriptural foundation. It says, Then understood they (how that JESUS bade them not beware of the leaven within bread) but that they ought to be aware of the doctrinal teachings of fabricated religions." This warning includes religious institutions founded in 300/400 AD by people who are referred to today as church fathers.

Moreover, in the recorded Gospel of John we read "That these things are written that you might believe." Luke records in Acts that "the former treatise have I written of all that JESUS began to do and to say UNTIL the day in which He ascended ... after His ascension He through His HOLY SPIRIT instructed HIS apostles." Note the plural reference to the apostles. Note also Paul saying that if any man or even an angel dare to preach to you a differing gospel from that which I have preached to you, then let those who do be accursed.

This presentation will continue in the days ahead. In the meantime, be blessed knowing that Heaven and earth may pass away but the WORD of GOD abides forever!