The Mission, Romans 10:14-15 & John 13:14-16NIV

Who are these people behind the stained glass windows?

Have they forgotten just what they came here for?

Was it salvation or "scared of hell"

Or an assembly of a social get-together?

[Chorus]

What's the mission of the preacher man?

Some are true, some do lie

What's the mission of the preacher man?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

We open this morning’s devotional with the lyrics from a band who has always been ahead of their time.  Which is one of the reasons that they are still underrated and have been since the 80’s:  King’s X. 

Yes, who are these people behind these stained glass windows?  Who are you? Have you forgotten what you came to or go to church for? Are you truly saved or are you just scared of hell (1 John 2:4)? Has church become “an ASSEMBLY of a social get together” (Heb. 10:25)?  In other words, are you or have we made a mockery of assembling together? Are we assembling together for the right reasons because if we are not then we don’t need to be getting together.  We assemble to encourage and empower one another in the name of Jesus.  We assemble to praise and worship Jesus.  Those should be the only reasons why we are assembling together.  Yes, we can get fed there too but you still need to read the word for yourself.  Pastors are not perfect.

This leads us to the chorus.  So, what is the mission of the preacher?  Yes, some are true, some do lie. 

2 Timothy 4:3: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires".

1 Timothy 4:1: "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons".

Matthew 7:15-20: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits... A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them".

2 Peter 2:1-3: "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction".

The mission of the preacher man is to share with you the good news that Christ died for you.  He was beaten, bruised, hung on a cross, died and rose again on the third day and ascended into heaven; and sits at the right hand of the Father.  And, everyone who accepts Him as Lord will have eternal life (Rom. 10:9-13).  They will be saved through His wonderful grace, love and mercy. 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15niv

The preacher is also called to serve and protect and guide the flock.  Just as Jesus the Good Shepherd did and that is all.  You are not called to spread your own agenda.   You are not called to raise as much money as possible for your assembly building.  You are not called to spread your political or social agenda.  You are not called to unjustly judge others.  In other words, yes, call people out in His name because He is the truth but not in your name or the name of the church.  But more importantly do it in love.  Jesus never talked down or belittled or shamed others about their sin.  He was direct but it was tough love.  Yes it hurt to hear the truth but He did not attack them.  You are called to do the same. Remember He came to save us not condemn us (John 3:17).  You are also called to leave the 99 to go get the one who is astray.  Pastors who don’t do this are usually the main reason why prodigals won’t step back into church! You are the shepherd!  Go get him or her and bring them back into the flock! You are not called to do anything from the pulpit for your own gain or anyone else’s.  You are called to serve the body of Christ.  

What’s the mission of the preacher man:  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14-16niv. 

This is the example that the “people behind the stained glass windows” need to see. 

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