"Teaching scriptures from a spiritual context to those who are not born-again is like teaching caterpillars about the life of a butterfly. Neither make any sense until there is a true metamorphosis that takes place. For mankind, one must be spiritually transformed (born-again) to understand and grow in the things concerning the mysteries of heaven. For the caterpillar, flight is not even a concept until they are transformed and reborn as a butterfly." My Thoughts
There is a difference between a preacher and a teacher. A preacher proclaims truths for others to hear and submit to, and a teacher is used to equip those who embrace what was preached. Thus, preaching is to lead to a transformation, and teaching is to equip those who have submitted to what was preached. The gospel message is what the true followers of Christ preach in this world. The reason they preach this message is simple, it is so everyone is offered the freewill choice to surrender their whole life, everything, in this world to follow Christ. If they do, they will be spiritually transformed (born-again) and become a new creation. If they reject this message, they will remain spiritually dead, eternally lost, and separated from God.
The purpose of teaching is to allow for spiritual growth within those who are born-again to equip them on how to live in this world as a new creation. Many get it wrong when it comes to how this teaching should take place. This is mostly because they do not correctly understand the true source needed for spiritual growth. The best way to the true source is found in the scriptures. Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17). This is the Holy Spirit, and unless someone is truly born-again, they cannot understand the truths of God. Likewise, Jesus told us, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." (John 14:26).
Thus, Jesus told us that all truth will come from one source, the Holy Spirit, which He sends to live within us once we are born-again. The Spirit teaches us all truth while we are in direct prayer (intercession between the Holy Spirit and our spirit), using scripture, spiritual teachings from others, words of truth from our brethren, and all aspects of creation. Moreover, the Apostle John validates this in saying, "As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. (1John 2:2427). We have not been left as orphans to be tossed about by the many false teachings found in countless doctrines that do nothing more than divide those who claim to be in Christ.
Consequently, whether or not someone accepts or rejects the true gospel, they all have the opportunity to choose to become a churchgoer or member of any one of the thousands of local churches that claim the name of Christ around the world. However, taking into account what we have learned above concerning preachers and teachers, one question does need to be answered. What should be the primary focus for sermon messages in these many local churches? Should it be on preaching, teaching, or a little bit of both to reach their varied congregations. If they lean too heavily on preaching in hopes of reaching the lost souls attending, they just might may lose those members who are seeking to be taught and equipped. If they should lean too heavily on teaching, they may lose members who cannot understand the spiritual teachings because they remain spiritually dead and lack the Holy Spirit required for understanding. If these churches should water things down and find some middle ground they just maybe will please most of the people most of the time. Unfortunately, this is what many are doing each week in their local church buildings.
The truth is that true followers of Christ need to be about the Fathers business we have been commissioned to do. To preach the gospel, as the Lord leads, and make disciples of all nations. That means that we need to get out of our buildings we have made so comfortable and boldly minister to those in need around the world as we preach to them the gospel of truth. We also need to meet these people where they are at to allow the Lord to use us to teach them the truths of heaven as the Holy Spirit reveals these truths to us. This is what will make them disciples of Christ, and not just making more churchgoers. We need to seek to truly disciple others as we go out among them and proclaim the good news. Regrettably, today there is that all too familiar mindset that the best way to build a church is to bring people into it with the hopes of them turning to Christ. Jesus taught us a different and better way, His way! We need to be the servant ambassadors we are called to be and get out of these manmade building where pastors are preaching to the choir. We MUST get out there where the people are, this is how the Lord builds His Church!
There is a difference between a preacher and a teacher. A preacher proclaims truths for others to hear and submit to, and a teacher is used to equip those who embrace what was preached. Thus, preaching is to lead to a transformation, and teaching is to equip those who have submitted to what was preached. The gospel message is what the true followers of Christ preach in this world. The reason they preach this message is simple, it is so everyone is offered the freewill choice to surrender their whole life, everything, in this world to follow Christ. If they do, they will be spiritually transformed (born-again) and become a new creation. If they reject this message, they will remain spiritually dead, eternally lost, and separated from God.
The purpose of teaching is to allow for spiritual growth within those who are born-again to equip them on how to live in this world as a new creation. Many get it wrong when it comes to how this teaching should take place. This is mostly because they do not correctly understand the true source needed for spiritual growth. The best way to the true source is found in the scriptures. Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17). This is the Holy Spirit, and unless someone is truly born-again, they cannot understand the truths of God. Likewise, Jesus told us, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." (John 14:26).
Thus, Jesus told us that all truth will come from one source, the Holy Spirit, which He sends to live within us once we are born-again. The Spirit teaches us all truth while we are in direct prayer (intercession between the Holy Spirit and our spirit), using scripture, spiritual teachings from others, words of truth from our brethren, and all aspects of creation. Moreover, the Apostle John validates this in saying, "As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. (1John 2:2427). We have not been left as orphans to be tossed about by the many false teachings found in countless doctrines that do nothing more than divide those who claim to be in Christ.
Consequently, whether or not someone accepts or rejects the true gospel, they all have the opportunity to choose to become a churchgoer or member of any one of the thousands of local churches that claim the name of Christ around the world. However, taking into account what we have learned above concerning preachers and teachers, one question does need to be answered. What should be the primary focus for sermon messages in these many local churches? Should it be on preaching, teaching, or a little bit of both to reach their varied congregations. If they lean too heavily on preaching in hopes of reaching the lost souls attending, they just might may lose those members who are seeking to be taught and equipped. If they should lean too heavily on teaching, they may lose members who cannot understand the spiritual teachings because they remain spiritually dead and lack the Holy Spirit required for understanding. If these churches should water things down and find some middle ground they just maybe will please most of the people most of the time. Unfortunately, this is what many are doing each week in their local church buildings.
The truth is that true followers of Christ need to be about the Fathers business we have been commissioned to do. To preach the gospel, as the Lord leads, and make disciples of all nations. That means that we need to get out of our buildings we have made so comfortable and boldly minister to those in need around the world as we preach to them the gospel of truth. We also need to meet these people where they are at to allow the Lord to use us to teach them the truths of heaven as the Holy Spirit reveals these truths to us. This is what will make them disciples of Christ, and not just making more churchgoers. We need to seek to truly disciple others as we go out among them and proclaim the good news. Regrettably, today there is that all too familiar mindset that the best way to build a church is to bring people into it with the hopes of them turning to Christ. Jesus taught us a different and better way, His way! We need to be the servant ambassadors we are called to be and get out of these manmade building where pastors are preaching to the choir. We MUST get out there where the people are, this is how the Lord builds His Church!
