Learning from the Prophets: For the Preachers and Teachers

There are some scriptures in the Bible that are specifically for the Preachers. Let me ask a hard question — if you received a letter that was from the Lord, what would it say about you and the Church you preside over? How many things would the Lord have against you? Not a calming thought, is it? As a matter of fact, it might be a very disturbing thought.

Might this letter read like the one to the Church at Pergamos? Or would it read like one to one of the other six Churches? Are you, Preacher, more fearful of offending peoples’ emotions than you are of failing to serve the Lord?

Do you choose to not preach those things that would convict and upset some of the congregation? Do you withhold truths and restrict those that speak the truth so feelings might not be hurt or so someone won’t get angry? The Scripture says, “the truth will set you free.”

The lesson every preacher and teacher can learn from the prophet is that we must focus on serving the Lord in our calling, and stop trying to serve people in their desires. If we, those who are chosen and sent by God, are not more fearful of failing the Lord than we are of upsetting the sinner and even the saved, then what are we accomplishing?

Am I as a teacher or are you as a preacher serving the Lord if our concern is more toward not offending someone’s sensitivities in Godly conviction? Were the Prophets concerned about offending those God had sent them to? Or were they focused upon delivering the Message from God in truth? My calling was to teach and educate people about the truth of God, not to appease peoples’ emotions.

Ephesians 4:11-12, 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

These Scriptures and the ones that follow do not even remotely mention the feelings of people. In fact, we are to preach and teach the truth of the Word of God for the perfecting of the Saints. The rough edges of the Ax cannot be smoothed without the grinding of the stone.

We must speak, preach, and teach the Holy Word of God boldly and without concern of the emotional state resulting from the inward conviction of the sinner.

Acts 4:29, And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.

I am thankful for conviction when it comes, for that is how I learn to be a better and stronger follower of Christ! I believe we must teach that when conviction comes (and it will to the saved), the first order of action is prayer and repentance!

Members of the congregation should not run to the preacher or teacher and complain of some perceived offense but rather should cry out to the Lord begging forgiveness. If they disagree with the preacher or teacher, they should have enough knowledge to go to the Word and either verify their belief or confirm what they were told. This is the perfection of the Saints.

Rest assured, Preachers and Teachers, I pray for you all often, asking God to fill you with the Holy Spirit to quicken you and to give you the messages He wants you to impart.

May you all rest under the protection of Heaven, and be covered by the blood of the Lamb of God and protected by multitudes of the angelic host. Amen

Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple