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In yesterday worship, Caleb made a statement that brought to the forefront of my mind a passion of mine, and should be the pursuit of not only every teaching pastor but every believer in Christ. In fact his words are at the very core of New Life’s beginnings.    

His statement went like this (paraphrased)…  “It is your job to check out, and be sure what you are being told from the stage is the TRUTH. It doesn’t matter who is doing the delivery, Larry, Frank or I, it is your responsibility to make sure it is from God, to make sure it is the TRUTH.”        

From the first part of the New Life Journey (Discovering New Life) it is made clear to everyone  that the Bible tells us as Pastors that our jobs are to provide everyone else with a fishing pole, and teach them to fish. (“God gave…some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”  Eph. 4:11-12)   

At New Life we are all about teaching people to feed themselves spiritually, because it is only when you can feed yourself that you can feed others. (2^nd Timothy 3:17 “God uses it (The Bible) to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”) 

A key to feeding yourself and providing for others is knowing and understanding when the person doing the teaching is being led by the Holy Spirit.   

Here are some ways you can be sure a person’s teachings are from God…

1.The teaching will always reinforce Jesus’ teachings… “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”. John 14:262.        

2. The teaching will always be grounded in the Bible…  “You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.”  2^nd Timothy 3:15 3.        

 3. The teaching will always promote righteousness and convict us of sin… “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2^nd Timothy 3:16 4.        

4. Teaching should always being Glory to Jesus… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory…” John 16:13-14  

Paul summed it up for all followers of Christ when he said, “…test everything. Keep what is good, ²²and stay away from everything that is evil.” 1^st Thessalonians 5:21  

Pastor Larry   

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