Every precept created by the Lord for the good of His children is found in the Scriptures. There's no chance of anyone coming up with anything like it. What comes from the devil makes us angry just to hear it, and it's no use to anyone. The evil one uses people who haven't had an encounter with God and so, like madmen, they create various doctrines. In today's case, Paul says that part of his teaching on marriage came to him by permission and not by commandment. The apostle was faithful!

           We can never go beyond the permission given by the Most High; after all, we are not in a position to guide anyone on our own. Only what God has established in His Word is complete (2 Timothy 3:16,17). If we understand something new in the Bible, it is wise, before spreading the “revelation”, to seek out those who are wiser in the Word. Once we have verified the veracity of the instruction, we can pass it on to the people.

           Paul and Silas preached the Gospel in Thessalonica, but the Jews resented seeing them lead the people to Christ and persecuted them. So they went to Berea, where they were well received. The Jews in that city were nobler than those in Thessalonica: These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). Watching, praying and believing are God's commands!

           It doesn't matter who brings you a doctrine. If you can't find the basis for it in the Bible, never accept it, even if the messenger is known to be someone capable. Any genuine revelation will never conflict with any part of Scripture. The Lord's declarations don't come from His lips by chance, but it is Truth proven and ready to go into action. The servant of the Most High must not put his faith in statements contrary to the Holy Book!

           A common mistake made by some preachers is to give an indirect message to a person. The congregation will lose confidence in them. If someone needs to be reprimanded or guided in some matter, the wisest thing to do is to invite them to the pastoral office. Normally, the pastor instructs on what the Lord has put in his heart, but dealing with personal issues from the pulpit is not part of the leader's job. Avoid touching on intimate subjects!

           Don't add to the Bible or take away from it. Even if your intention is to help, if you make such a mistake, you will pay a high price. God doesn't need help even to make someone convert. We are limited to the commands of Scripture, so it's always best to stick to what the Lord says (Revelation 22:18,19). Remember Uzzah: he died trying to support the Ark of the Testimony when he saw it hanging to one side (2 Samuel 6:6,7). Watch out!

           No one owns the Lord's pulpit, from where He speaks to the church. Anyone who uses this position to take advantage will be left by God, because they have acted deceitfully. Balaam, the prophet who taught Balak, the Moabite king, to put stumbling blocks in the way of the Israelites, received his reward: The children of Israel also killed with the sword Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who were killed by them (Joshua 13:22). Be holy, for God is holy!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares