A Predefined Message

1. According to the apostle Paul, what limits have been placed upon Christian teachings?

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8, 9

2. What was so special about what the apostles preached?

“Because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

3. From whom did Jesus get His teachings?

“And the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” John 14:24

“For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me.” John 17:8

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him.” Revelation 1:1

4. What, in turn, did Jesus commission His followers to teach?

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20

5. What did Christ’s apostles then teach?

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you.” 1 John 1:5

6. Were the apostles’ teachings influenced by any human authorities?

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received.” 1 Corinthians 15:3

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.” 1 Corinthians 11:23

“For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:12

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.” Ephesians 3:3

“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.” Galatians 1:11

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.” Galatians 1:15, 16

7. What only are God’s servants authorized to teach?

“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God.” John 3:34

8. What is the sign of a false teacher?

“They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:16

9. How dangerous is it for men to formulate doctrines?

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9

10. How dependent are we upon religious teachers for an understanding of truth?

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:27

11. Jesus made it clear that this anointing teaches only what things?

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

12. Where do we find those things?

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39