The level of biblical illiteracy in the Body of Christ today is deeply concerning!
Many believers have not allowed the Holy Spirit to guide them into Truth so they can understand the foundational doctrines of the faith established by biblical, apostolic teaching (John 16:13; Acts 2:42). As a result, we have left the door wide open for the “doctrines of demons” warned about in Scripture (1 Timothy 4:1).
One major reason for this problem is that too many leaders decide, act, judge, teach, preach, pray, counsel, and lead based on personal opinions or lived experiences rather than the Word of God. When you listen to what they say or read what they write, you often don’t hear a single Scripture. If they do use one, it may be quoted sparingly, sometimes taken out of context, and often without balance (2 Timothy 2:15).
The truth is, we are held to a higher standard. “Judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). It begins with the pulpit before it reaches the pews. It begins with the fivefold ministry, especially the two foundational offices of apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20).
The mantle of a foundational gift carries weight and gravitas in the realm of the spirit particularly if its a seasoned or mature apostle or prophet. Its like the old E.F. Hutton commercials. When you speak people, entities, beings, heaven and earth listen. While I do not agree with the Catholic Church’s elevation of papal writings to the same level as Scripture, there is a spiritual principle here worth noting.
Apostles and prophets, your words whether spoken or written carry significant weight. Someone may interpret Scripture, form doctrinal beliefs, develop mindsets and thereby act making major life decisions that may impact generations based on what you say alone. Yes, that's foolish and shows immaturity but its a reality. If you have not prayerfully considered your words and weighed them against the Scriptures, you risk negligence. This is spiritual malpractice (Ezekiel 33:6–7).
Paul reminded Timothy to “preach the word… in season and out of season” and to “correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). We must measure every teaching, prophecy, counsel, and exhortation against the plumb line of God’s Word (Amos 7:7–8). If we fail to do so, we risk leading others into error. Their “shipwreck” in the faith could be on our hands (1 Timothy 1:19).
So let us stay anchored in the 66 books of Scripture. Let’s let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16), and let everything we say be in agreement with it. Our calling is too serious, and the stakes are too high, to do otherwise. Yes, you think. You saw. You heard. You remember. You believe. But sir, ma'am what did God say in His Word?
