Why aren’t we following the Holy Spirit?
Question:
I believe that the word of God is truly inspired and is the divine authority in every aspect of our lives today. The one problem I see in this answer to this question is that you seem to assume that everyone who believes that God speaks today does not read and study the Scripture for all that it is worth. I personally believe that we can and do receive revelation from God today. The only way this can happen is to be in His word daily, constant in prayer, and willing to listen. The word is living and active and not merely a book to be read, but His direct letter to us, As we read it and meditate upon His word one can feel gentle touches, thoughts whispered, so to speak, that direct us daily in our lives. Now if any of these thoughts stay away from the word, then they are not of Him. That is why in the New Testament we are told to test all spirits.
If the word of God is to be our guide and example, then why do some in the churches of Christ seem to forget that God wrote or directed all of His word to people through the Holy Spirit. We should either believe all of His word or none of it. Is there a place where I can have many of my questions answered about the church of Christ and how come we seem to be ridding ourselves of the whole word of God?
Why do we not use instruments like they did in the days that Christ was going into the temple as was his custom?
If the Bible says it how come we don’t do it?
If the word says we must have the Holy Spirit how come we do not truly believe He exists?
Answer:
It is interesting that you state that you want to follow all of what God has stated, but then you turn around and ignore what He said. Paul said, "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away" (I Corinthians 13:8-10). I accept God's statement that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were a temporary measure. You state that it must continue.
Jude said, "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). I accept that the faith was delivered to Christians one time for all time. You state that there is more to be given.
Peter said, "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3). I accept that the Bible as it stands is complete (see also II Timothy 3:16-17). You state that it is incomplete and people need additional information pertaining to life and godliness.
John said, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). The spirits being tested are those claiming to teach the word of God. You applied it to vague whispers in your head. "For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD" (Jeremiah 29:8-9).
The real problem is that the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit guides us through the Bible that He inspired to be written (see the lesson "Led by the Spirit" for a detailed list of verses). You assume that if the Holy Spirit is involved that it is by direct operation on you, but such is not stated in the Bible.
Christ lived and fulfilled the Old Testament. He taught his new covenant while he was here, but he lived under the law of Moses to show that it could be perfectly fulfilled. (See "Why We Don't Follow the Old Testament" for more details.) If you want to argue that we use instrumental music because the Jews did so in Christ's day, then you need to head off to the Temple for the three yearly feasts and bring your sacrifices with you because these, too, were a part of the same law.
"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law" (James 2:10-11).
"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."" (Galatians 3:10).
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:1-4).
The answers to all your question regarding the church of Christ is found in your Bible since that is the only guideline the church accepts. The Holy Spirit spelled it all out for you and me about 2,000 years ago. Why aren't you following Him?
