"The Word of God"

  Let me give a word of encouragement to those who teach/preach, whether or not it is in a Bible class study or in the pulpit. We need to be strong in the preaching and teaching of God's word. It takes nothing more than looking at the OT or NT prophets and preachers. I do realize they were inspired of God but what is more interesting is they weren't psychologists, social workers or some other profession we see many working in today. They never spoke in terms of "in my opinion" or "we might want to try this approach". No, they never spoke in that way. Their backgrounds were varied with many having little education or holding a high plane socially. God sent them with His message and they stood up and spoke: "This is the word of the Lord!" or "This is what God says!" It was straight forward and they spoke what the Lord wanted spoken.

  I am not trying to say we are those prophets or NT preachers. What we are is to proclaim the word of the Lord. That was the simple charge brought to Timothy by an apostle. "Preach the word!" That should cause us each to humbly stand and speak: "Hear the word of the Lord!" Our preaching/teaching isn't about being an economist, psychologist, administrators, problem resolution experts or political pundits! The pulpit and Bible studies is not a place for guess-work or even confessing our ignorance because lack of preparation. It should be knowing we speak for God in the presence of God delivering His message to the heart of the hearers.

  I'm not speaking that one needs to be harsh or critical. I am speaking that we should speak for God as His servant, delivering His message. It's the word of the Lord, not mine. If anyone is going to be saved it will be by hearing His word, not mine. If we claim that Jesus is Lord and our Savior, should we not be proclaiming God's word? Should His message be muttered, analyzed or apologized for? Let's get out of the way so people can hear God!