Over the years I have seen some heart breaking events regarding the ministry of bringing forth God’s Word.

I have seen men who got saved and had a wonderful and inspiring testimony that stirred hearts and then someone they respected told them they were called to preach and they launched out into the deep and sank.  Perhaps they were called of God and maybe they were not.  It might have been grandma or someone else that pushed them forth.  If they were called of God they might have needed time to prepare.  I know that when God called me it was three years later that God released me to do what He called me to do.  I spent those three years studying, studying and growing.  Even now some 37 years I sometimes think it wasn’t enough.

I have seen others that told me they were called to preach but then for one reason or another they refused the call.  They preferred the ways of the world instead of the ways of God.  As an example I remember one who told me he was called to preach years ago but refused to go.  He said now it was too late, he was too old.  Not so.  Moses was 80 when God sent him forth to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  God’s gifts and callings are without repentance.

Ephesians speaks of the 5 fold ministry of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.  These are separate ministries that are all needed in the body of Christ.  Personalities and methods of presentation may very (and do of necessity) but they are all called to bring forth and share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God called me to the ministry of teacher.  Prior to that I did not like to read or study.  That just wasn’t me.  However, when God called me He did something miraculous in my spirit.  Now I love to study and I love to read and to search the Scriptures.  When God calls someone the also equips them to fulfill their call.  Part of that equipping is the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes people judge a ministry by the charismatic personality or the letters that follow the name or by their popularity.  Certainly the charisma or the warm personality or eve popularity is important but these all pale when compared to the anointing that comes from God.

Some ministries take years to develop and others are hot of the starting gate.  If God called:  listen, learn and grow.  They were called and sent to help the believer become mature in Christ and bring God glory.  The you are not a believer (born again Christian):  you also need to listen, learn and open your heart to receive Jesus.  He and He alone is the way to Heaven.   Don’t be deceived there are many who bear the title of some ministry but were not called of God and are spreading half truths and deceiving many.  Read the Word of God for yourself.  Ac 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Good advice.

Maranatha!