So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. –1 Thessalonians 2:8
Let me shock you at this point. A naturally bright person can carry on religious activity without a special gift from God. Filling church pulpits every week are some who are using only natural abilities and special training. Some are known as Bible expositors, for it is possible to read and study commentaries and then repeat what has been learned about the Scriptures. Yes, it may shock you, but it is true that anyone able to talk fluently can learn to use religious phrases and can become recognized as a preacher.
But if any person is determined to preach so that his work and ministry will abide in the day of the judgment fire, then he must preach, teach and exhort with the kind of love and concern that comes only through a genuine gift of the Holy Spirit–something beyond his own capabilities. Tragedy in the Church: The Missing Gifts, 21-22.
“Lord, grant me that gift as I wait before You again this morning. I certainly want to preach with eternal benefit, and recognize that only in the power–and love–of the Holy Spirit will that happen. Amen.”
theres an old saying that the profits were hated, the preachers of the word starved and the righteous were persecuted, then when the gospel was brought to America we made religion into a money making machine like no other before it. this can plainly be seen in almost any town when you drive down the streets and you see churches that not only have spacious auditoriums but also have all the amenities of modern day comforts not to mention most are settled on real estate that only banks and car lots could afford to purchase. So its not surprising that these businesses would employ professional performers as pastors. for them its not about saving souls so much as making parole and turning a profit. sadly many who are looking to start a career turn to ministry for the lure of big dollars, book deals, speaking engagements, fame and financial security. God’s word tells us to search the scriptures and to test these false teachers. the easiest way is to ask yourself is this a good shepherd? is he keeping the young lambs close? and would he lay down his life for his congregation? this may sound tough but there is no such thing as a part time Christian let alone a preacher. I tire of seeing preachers who believe that they have a career like any other career that has set hours and a retirement plan you may not want to hear this John or others of you that our in the ministry who may be reading this but there’s no place in God’s kingdom for one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back. and lastly any pastor should possess and show the fruits of the spirit. Galatians 5 love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. Gentleness and self control your brother in Christ Perry please post this 2nd commentary it has been spell checked sorry so people tell me i write with an accent thanks ;perry