The prophet that has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? says the LORD. Is not my word like a "fire"? says the LORD. And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:28-29.
Jesus came with the message of repentance to reconcile man back to God. He was sent primarily to bridge the gap between God and man, and to restore the relationship that formerly existed between God and man. The theme of His message to the young ruler -Nicodemus was Ye must be born again. To the old or young, rich or poor, literate or illiterate, His message did not change. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Even after his resurrection, the disciples on the way to Emmaus said "did not our heart burn within us as he speaks to us." They referred to the words of Jesus as fire that burns (Luke 24:32). Indeed the word of God is like fire that burns (Jeremiah 23:29). A single focused John the Baptist who was also the fore runner of Jesus declared the word of salvation to those who came to him in the wilderness. His words were like hammer breaking the hard hearted Jews and all those who sought after him. He preached a stern message on repentance and he wasn't apologetic at all. According to Matthew's account in the book of Matthew chapter 2 verse 2, "and saying repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" Despite his seemingly hard singular message on repentance, Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the regions around the Jordan went out to him. He had nothing palatable to offer them, yet they thronged him. His intent was to do what he was sent to do, to prepare the people for their coming Messiah. In verse 7-12 of the same text, when he saw the many of the Pharisees and the Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? He did not change his message because of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, rather his tenacity increased and he preached repentance to them also.
In Colossians 1:18, Paul the Apostle preached Jesus Christ. Paul talked about his efforts and exploits to reveal Jesus. His central theme was Jesus and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2 &4-5). He further committed the preaching of Christ to faithful ministers like Ephraphras (Colossians 1:17). He enjoined Timothy, his son in the Lord, to preach the word because we are already in the time spoken about by Paul the Apostle in 2 Timothy 4:2-3. The desire of the Apostles was to perfect what was lacking in the believers and not just to be chatting away (1Tessalonians 3:10). Here is Paul the Apostle laying the precedence to follow. He told the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 2:12 &14 how he received from God and taught. The real essence of the word of God outlined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12 shows what the word we hear intends to achieve and this must be the goal (purpose) for preaching. The source of life is the word of God and nobody can do without it (Deuteronomy 8:3).
On the contrary, many ministers have turned the pulpits (sacred place) to discussion table on issues not relevant to the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, many members of the congregation are fed with chaff and their souls are famished because there are few ministers of the word. And that's why God spoke through his servant the prophet in Jeremiah 23:28-29, "The prophets who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully, What is the chaff to the wheat? "says the LORD, Is not my word like a fire?" To be a man of God, you must be a man of the word of God. But the church is now confronted with a serious problem as there are many scribes than teachers (Mark 1:22). It is what we give that we'll get. An unprepared, unlearned minister cannot give what he doesn't have to his congregation. You cannot expect the congregation to outgrow you, except you expect them to avail themselves opportunity of enriching their souls through the ministry of other servants of God. And this is a serious matter because we are here talking about the undying souls of men and the need to prepare and furnish them for the soon appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is already a problem and attending danger (heart of thorns) because for many, the word is choked and does not bring fruit to maturity due to cares of life, riches and pleasures (Mark4:18-19, Luke 8:7 &14). But a bigger problem ensues when the right word is not available or sown into a ready heart (fertile land). According to Luke 8:8 &15, there are those who are seriously yearning for the truth, but trouble comes when they are denied because the minister of the word is not prepared to give them the needed message. Hence, souls of the people are impoverished because the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.
Despite God's strict injunction in Deuteronomy chapter 12 verse 32 that no on should add or subtract from the commandments of God, messages and sermons have been twisted to suit the purpose of some so called ministers nowadays. Many tell lies, exaggerate and vaunt themselves just to make their preaching appealing to their hearers. They devote quality time to telling irrelevant stories just to secure attention and trust of their listeners. Their priority is not to give the word of life, but they are basically entertainers (Jeremiah 48:10). Some engage in evil and despise holy things, these are enemies of the cross of Christ. They encourage sins of all forms and shade such as seductive dressings and sexual perversion among members as they see nothing wrong with it. No wonder there is no inspiration, no ministration, and no life coming from the pulpit whenever they preach. Some are into teaching of the commandment of men. Paul the Apostle warned Titus against such in Titus 1:14 "not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth." There are also those who are fond of exalting and preaching themselves, recounting their past achievements and exploits in the kingdom of God. They have failed to realize that it is not good to build on the old moves- of God. Just like Watchman Nee's saying-A man whose yesterday is like today lacks the sense of God's timing.
There is a great contrast between the messages of Jesus and most of our messages today. And it seems we have failed to realize that we are fighting an enraged enemy who is not taking things lightly with anyone (Revelation 12:17). If the few hours people stay in the church cannot be maximally utilized to fill them with the word of God needed to combat the forces of darkness and the evil world that wants to damn their soul, then there is problem. And those ministers who focus the attention of people on themselves and not on Jesus ought to know that it is just a waste of time because nothing worthwhile will come out of it. Jesus said, "And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me." It could literarily mean that after His ascension, His death and resurrection will be the basics of our salvation and through which many will have hope, believe on His and receive Him. At the same time, it could also mean that whenever and wherever Jesus is preached and exalted, many will be drawn to Him. God is beholding our world with rage and He is ready to unleash His wrath, Jesus is mourning and interceding for the church, but when would the ministers of the gospel change their erroneous teachings and centre their message on Jesus. When will they begin to prepare the church for the imminent coming of her Lord and Saviour. When would the pulpits acknowledge the lordship of Jesus Christ and preach Him and Him alone?
When Jesus sent out the 12 disciples in Luke 9:1-5, He instructed them not to go with money, bag or food. Also, He sent out the 70 in Luke 10:1-4 and gave similar instruction. They were to go with no money, bag or food, the same instruction was given to two different sets of people but why? The reason is because of the possibility of their attention to shifted away from their assignment and be focused on material things. They have a single pursuit; they were sent out to preach the gospel and nothing else. They were not to be diverted from their original purpose. Jesus made them realize that the labourer is worthy of his wages (Luke 10:7) signifying that ministers of God deserve to be rewarded with monetary gifts and blessings. Paul the Apostle also affirmed this in his letter to the Corinthian church that if he ministered to them in the Spirt, it is not a sin for him to reap material thing, however, he exercised caution that in no instance should this liberty of his affect or put a blemish on the gospel he preaches (1Corinthians 9:12-15). This is a balanced truth! According to Deuteronomy 33:18-19, Zebulum and Issachar were praised and blessed because they were to reveal to the people the demands of God (call the people to mountain). Not physical but spiritual, they were to launch the people into deep experiences with God. They were to lead them to offer sacrifices of righteousness to God and in turn partake of the abundance of the seas and hidden treasures in the sand (great material blessings).
Even in the Old Testament, God repeatedly informed the priests and Levites that He the Almighty God is their portion and their inheritance ( Deuteronomy 18:2 & 5, Joshua 13:33, 18:19). However, He instructed the children of Israel to give to the priests and Levites (Deuteronomy 12:19). The same instruction was repeated in chapter 14 verse 27 so that the priests and the Levites can focus on their duty and service to God and not be busy search for the money. It is a normal and proper thing and it is expected of every child of God to give to the work of God and more importantly to the ministers of God. Hence, the ministers of God need not centre their messages on money always. And there should not be deceit, manipulations, witchcrafy (cunning craftiness) in the name prophesies and revelation to dupe, and drain money out of the purses of the people. Making financial demands on the people at the expense of their soul is dangerous and will incur the wrath of God. Many gullible souls in dire and desperate need for solutions to life's problems and challenges have fallen prey to these fake ministers who always demand for money (Philippians 3:19). And being innocent, often consent to the demands and dictates of these so called ministers of God who are out there to trick and exploit people. Most of those affected often did not make effort to know or find out about these fake ministers of God before giving them their money and properties. Unfortunately, as a result of their unpleasant encounters and experiences, they have become hardened even against the true gospel. More harm is done than good by these enemies of the cross!
Yet, there are sincere and true seekers today who are really tired of the fun-fare, jokes, bedroom talks, chatting, and unbecoming words that cannot redeem soul uttered by ministers of God who have turned their pulpits to another thing entirely. Many are truly yearning to know God and have eternal life (John 17:3). The hearts of men are longing and desirous to be fed with the word of life. The undying souls are bored and tired of philosophy, motivational messages, and teachings. John the Baptist preached repentance (Mark 1:4-5), Jesus Christ preached repentance (Mark 1:14-15), and the disciples also preached repentance (Mark 6:12). Man of God, if I may ask what are you preaching?
