Ask Your Preacher
Preachers are among the most important people in the world. They are important not because of any works of their own righteousness (Phil. 3:7-11), but because of the wonderful message with which the God of Heaven has entrusted them; the promulgation of His gospel to the world. (Matt. 28:18-20) They are important because the Lord has decreed that only in His name, and by His gospel can man find salvation. (Acts 4:12, 1 Cor. 15:1-2, Rom. 1:16) That gospel must be preached. (Mk. 16:15-16) The Apostle Paul tells us that preachers have been entrusted with a beautiful message. (Rom. 10:15) It is the only message that is able to lead men from sin to salvation, (2 Tim. 2:10, Titus 2:11-12) and to secure for them the blessings which are found only in Christ. (Eph. 4:11) Knowing all of this what manner of person should the preacher be, and what should he do?
First, he should be just like Christ. (Phil. 2:5) He ought to consider himself a servant of the church, (2 Cor. 4:5) and not attempt to be above his Lord. (Matt. 10:24, Lk. 6:40) He should watch and not become high-minded and think of himself more highly than he ought to think. (Rom. 11:20, Rom. 12:16) There is, for example, no Bible authority for a preacher calling himself "Reverend." This word is used but one time in the Bible, and refers directly to God. (Ps. 111:9) Is it not taking too much upon himself for a man to assume a title which the Holy Scripture reserves for God alone? Does your preacher do this? Can he give you Bible authority for it? If not, he is walking after the mind of man (Jer. 10:23), and bringing a curse upon himself. (Jer. 17:5)
Does your preacher wear long robes and reverse his collar or set himself apart from the "lay members?" Is this not just what Jesus condemned in Matthew 23:1-12?
A preacher ought to be sure that he is teaching only the doctrine of Christ. We are warned in the Bible that not every person who tires "Lord, Lord," will enter into His Kingdom, (Matt. 7:21-23) and that many who seek to enter in will not be able. (Lk. 13:23-24) In Lk. 6:64, Jesus asked: "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" Does your preacher cry "Lord, Lord" while refusing to give you Bible authority for all that he does and teaches?
The burden placed upon the preacher of the good news of Christ (and the gospel is news not VIEWS) is surpassed by only one group in this world; the local eldership. It is upon these men that God has placed the responsibility of feeding His flock. (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5: 1-4) The elders are the pastors of Eph. 4:11. Is it not then a sin against the authority of God for the preacher to take to himself the title of "Pastor," and to assume the authority which God designated to the elders alone? Has he found fault with God's way? (Jer. 2:5) If your preacher calls himself the "pastor," ask him for Bible authority. We are commanded in the Scriptures to speak only as the Oracles of God, (1 Peter 4:11) and to be able to give an answer for what we believe. (1 Peter 3:21) If your preacher cannot do this from the Scriptures, he is not walking in God's way, (Jer. 6:16) but is putting his trust in the flesh, and bringing upon himself a curse from God. We are commanded to try every spirit (1 John 4:1) to see if it is a minister of Christ or of Satan. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Try them by your Bible, for it is a perfect measure. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
What does your preacher teach on morality? Is he teaching what the Word of God requires of His faithful ministers, or does he pass over such issues as drinking dancing, cheating, lying, smoking, etc., to teach those things more pleasing to the world? (2 Thess. 2:3-12, 1 Tim. 1:19, 1 Tim. 4:1-5, Titus 1:10-12)
From where does your preacher draw material for his sermons? From the perfect Word of God or from the fables and doctrines of men? (1 Tim. 1:4) Does he teach the commandments of men? (Matt. 15:7-9) Does he tell you that you do not need Bible authority for all that you do in religion? Is he following his own will and not the will of God? (Col. 2:22-23) Does he have a false zeal for God? (Rom. 10:1-4) Does he speak only as the Oracles of God, (1 Peter 4:11) or does he teach things designed to please his hearers? (Gal. 1:10)
We know that there are many false teachers in the world who claim to be the ministers of Christ, but who are in reality the ministers of Satan. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) These are the false prophets who say "The Lord hath spoken" when the Lord has not spoken. (Jer. 23:21-22) Ask your preacher for Bible authority for all that he does and teaches.
The preacher holds far too important a place in our lives for us not to be sure that he is teaching us the Way of God rightly. (2 Tim. 2:15) If he is not, he may become angry if you ask him for Bible authority. If he is, he should not object to your honest questions. We ask you in all kindness, and out of a love for your soul, to take your Bible and study these things. The church of Christ asks you to obey only Christ (Heb. 5:9) and to reject all human creeds and ideas. Believe the Bible only and reject all else. Your soul is at stake. Will you ask your preacher?