Testing a Word

False Teachers & Preachers

One time I asked a preacher why he didn’t use the Bible in his preaching. His answer was that folks could read their Bibles at home. The only problem with that is that few were doing so and fewer were being taught the tools to rightly discern good from bad understanding of the Bible. As a result, that preacher’s sermons were filled with every whim which was excused as a “word” from God. Is there a simple way to test the validity of a so-called word from God? In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul gave one simple litmus test. Is the person’s word effectively calling Jesus accursed or Lord? If Jesus is Lord, then a preacher will obey him and preach what Jesus commanded to be taught. If Jesus’ words are avoided, then perhaps that avoidance is effectively calling Jesus accursed.