It’s laughable these days, when we go to ‘church’ to hear pastors feed us with Business success skills, political persuasions, economic lectures and spousal engagement techniques. What happened to the Gospel? Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with Business skills, politics and the likes, but the truth is I’d probably learn better attending Harvard Business School than listening to pastors teaching on it.
“But Nkem, my pastor may have the anointing for business”. Anointing for business? Alright fine, he should open a business school or establish a business and thrive at it. Don’t teach that at a Sunday Church service! There’s no scriptural basis for that – not a jot!
The Bible is very clear on this, there’s no mistake, please let’s follow;
Ephesians 4:11 KJV
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
He gave men, pastors etc. why? Next verse;
Ephesians 4:12 KJV
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Pastors were given, to mature saints and prepare them for the work of the ministry so that the body of Christ will be built up. Did you see that? The purpose of the office of a pastor is to ensure that believers are trained to maturity, so they too can carry out the work of the ministry, for the church to be built up. It’s quite clear enough. We have a ministry committed into our hands – the ministry of reconciliation. God, working in us to reconcile sinners to himself – that is the ministry. This is the ultimate purpose of the church. It is therefore the responsibility of your pastor to prepare you for this ministry. Anything short of this is an abuse of the Church. Jesus was very clear on this matter.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus taught to lead believers into an identification with the love of the Father, the redemptive work of Christ, and the relationship with the Holy Spirit. These are the three major themes of Christian teachings. Paul summarized this in one of his parting prayers:
2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV
[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Jesus’ point after his resurrection as recorded by Luke is also worth noting:
Luke 24:46-47 KJV
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
The difference between Christian doctrine and other themes is Christ! Once Christ is taken away from the core of the message, it has become secular and at best, such a massage is just good advice.
We’ve got to be careful what we listen to and what we consider as ‘christian’, especially what proceeds from the pulpit. We are advised to weigh all teachings. Here’s a rule of thumb for weighing doctrines. Always ask yourself these:
Is this message Christ centred? Is the redemptive work of Christ relevant in this message? Does it reveal more of Christ to me? Does this message have a sound biblical foundation?
With these questions in mind, answered in the affirmative, you can be sure that what you are listening to is indeed Christian.
Bless you.
Zoë - WordLife 