DON'T BELIEVE EVERY PREACHER

John admonishes us tenderly but firmly, "Beloved believe not every spirit (preacher), but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (I John 4:l). I would not have you to listen to men with a critical ear; but I do admonish you to listen to every preacher with a discerning ear, your pastor included. There are many false prophets in the world, so do not follow any man blindly. Your soul is too important! The point at which every preacher must be examined is not his friendliness, his tenderness, his appearance, or his pulpit speech and mannerisms. Every preacher must be tried, tested, and proven by his message. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them (Isa. 8:20)." That man who is God's messenger, a preacher ordained and sent of God, will preach the pure gospel of the grace of God in Christ with boldness. If a man does not know the gospel he is not sent of God. Those who are sent of God are taught of God. And if a man does not preach the gospel with clarity and boldness he is not sent of God. All of God's servants have a holy unction upon them which prohibits the fear of man. Don't you hear any man, receive his message, or wish him well who fails to proclaim the free and sovereign grace of God in Christ. He is not God's messenger.