The Word of God.

     Our safeguard against error is found in the written word of God. We need to judge all things by this standard. What the pastor says, what we hear from teachers, theologians, writers etc. While many people adhere to the truth, many do not. The scriptures warn us that false teachers will arise from within the church. These are people who we may know and trust. If we go to God's word and read it with a honest,open mind, willing to receive and follow what it says, God will reveal Himself to us. As it says in 1 John 4:1 " Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God" NIV. I have seen many people confused by what they hear, but there need not be such confusion. God's written word is the final authority!