7.3. ALL COUNSEL MUST BE IN AGREEMENT WITH SCRIPTURE

He was guided by Scripture (Acts 1:16-20 , quoting Psalm 69:25; 109:8 ).

In Scripture. They prayed, Exodus 20:11, Psalm 146:6 and Psalm 2:12.

In Acts the answer is yes.

Acts 15:13-21 "And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." (KJV)

James asserted that the words of the prophet Amos agreed with God, taking a people out of the gentiles:

Amos 9:11,12 "On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old; 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name," Says the Lord who does this thing." (NKJV)

He showed the remarkable facts of history and the prophecy of Scripture, and that the two agree that it is God's will - the salvation of Gentiles called by His name was known to God from all eternity.

Acts 15:18 "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. " (KJV)

There is nothing more helpful in seeking guidance than to develop a deep knowledge of the truth, through daily study of the Scriptures.

Knowledge of what is pleasing to God will help us make God- pleasing decisions. Application of eternal principles to present problems will bring proper solutions. Knowledge of God's ways will keep us choosing the right path. Knowledge of God's revealed will guides us in particular circumstances. Knowledge of God's will informs what not to do, and instructs us as to what we are to do.

We are never to twist the Scriptures to our own wants or to our selfish desires - never pervert the truth. To do so would ultimately lead to disaster or destruction.

Psalm 119:99 "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. " (KJV)

God's Word, submitted to, makes us wiser than teachers who ignore the Scriptures. They may have amassed knowledge but fail to obey its life-changing way. Obedience to the Word plants our feet firmly upon God's path for us.

Yes. The test that it is true guidance will be that it is not a word at all contrary to conduct expected by God. Nor would it lead into disobedience to God. It would also be confirmed by the Lord's ordering of circumstances, and by what the Spirit of the Lord is saying in your spirit and through trusted counsellors.

The history of Holy Spirit guidance in the book of Acts instructs us in the various ways of guidance used by the Spirit of the Lord. None of the different ways should be rejected or despised - the very variety of His ways of directing us presents us with a means of checking and confirming that the steps we take are truly ordered by the Lord. To be our best in His service, we need to understand Holy Spirit guidance, and be open to every way He leads.