We are living in times the church has never been in before. That does not mean the Bible has changed. It means we must learn to follow the Holy Ghost more closely than ever before. The Lord is bringing His people into things He has already revealed in His Word. We have not been this way before, but He has.
The world is growing darker. Confusion is increasing on every side. Yet that is not the picture the Bible gives of the church. The church is to become brighter because the light of God’s Word does not grow dim. God’s plan has not changed simply because the world has changed.
One of the dangers in times like these is following every new fad that comes along. There have always been people who believe every new idea is the next great move of God. Many spend their lives running from one thing to another and never become established in the truth. The Holy Ghost does not lead His people by fads. He leads them by the Word of God and by His Spirit.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” — Romans 8:14
Being led by the Spirit is not something reserved for a few ministers. It belongs to every child of God. At the same time, the Spirit of God will never lead anyone contrary to the written Word.
That is why the first question should always be, “What does the Bible say?” If the Scriptures have already spoken, there is no need to search for another answer. God does not change His mind from generation to generation. His Word remains the same.
Psalm 119:105 says,
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
The Word gives light for the next step. It teaches us God’s character and His ways. As we obey what is written, we become more sensitive to the inward witness of the Holy Ghost. Many want to hear God’s voice in unusual ways while neglecting the Bible He has already given them. That is backwards.
Jesus said,
“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” — John 6:63
His Word is alive. It feeds the inward man. It renews the mind. It establishes us so we are not moved every time something new appears.
There are believers who stay steady through the years. They are not stubborn. They are simply settled. Others may move from one teaching to another and later discover they have been chasing something that would not work. The believer who stays with the Bible may seem old-fashioned for a while, but in the end he is still standing on solid ground. That has always been God’s way.
The Lord has not called us to follow the culture. He has called us to follow Him. Society changes. Opinions change. The Word of God does not.
If there is confusion about a decision, do not become anxious. Go back to the Scriptures. Spend time with the Lord. Wait until there is peace in your spirit. The Holy Ghost is well able to direct those who are willing to obey Him. He knows the path ahead because He was there before we arrived.
Stay with the Bible. Learn to recognize the inward witness of the Holy Ghost. Refuse to be pulled away by every new movement that promises something different. The Lord still leads His people, and He always leads them in agreement with His Word. God is with us!
