Pastoral Pontification, or fellow co-servant of Christ?

Some time ago I started a series of posts called Ask the Pastor. My intention was (and still is) to help others interact more with Scripture's teaching on a variety of issues. I firmly believe the Bible is God's revealed message for us today, and in it we find new life and the plan God has for our lives.

However, I believe that through that series of posts I have begun to communicate something I never intended: namely, that I am somehow an expert regarding God. The very title of the posts implied that the ignorant masses only need to come to me for a better understanding. I hold the answers, I am the guru to be followed.

As much as I wish that were the case, reality keeps hitting me square in the face. Before God, we are all equally foolish, equally ignorant, and equally in need of His wisdom and guidance. Yes, the Bible does talk about a teaching office and the Spirit grants the gift of teaching to some. A few say I have that gift (and perhaps a few say I don't). Regardless, truth isn't given to one indiviudal--it is given to the community of God's people. We discover God's truth together, not individually.

In order to accentuate this concept, I will henceforth retitle my posts. The basic format will not change. I will still take and respond to questions, offer my opinion and give what I firmly believe Scripture says. But I also will attempt to take the stress off me and to put it where it belongs: the Word of God. Within its pages are new life. I am simply a former dead man who was brought to life through its wonderful message. By doing this, I seek to balance two extremes: one says that I hold the answers, the other that no answers can be found. Both are nonsense. I believe in the certainty of truth, and I believe Scripture is the divinely given truth that can be studied and known. Together, let us journey towards that truth.