by Dave Brown
Ye often hear it said ...
If you believe it, it's right for you . . .
But the prophet Jeremiah stated (Jer. 10:23):
O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Recall one of the primary things that set Jesus apart from the religious teachers of his day (Mt. 7:28-29): "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes." Much of populist religion today centers on rationalizing all forms of evil instead of presenting authoritative teachings from the word of God.
Recall the great commission (Mt. 28:18-20): "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen."
Christians must preach and teach with authority; but this authority must be Jesus' word and Jesus' authority (Col. 3:17).