clcgh.org Building The Capacity Of Christian Leaders, Equipping The Saints For The Work Of Ministry, Redirecting Straying Christians To The Sound Knowledge Of Christ
By James Quansah
BUT WHAT does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motive or true, CHRIST IS PREACHED. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice” (Philippians 1: 18, NIV).
Honestly, a faithful servant of Christ will not teach about money, job, marriage, grace, breakthrough, prayer, Christian suffering (trials, temptations and tests) or deliverance without glorifying Christ in the message.
To preach the Word of God in a Christian church is to deliver an inspired message prepared to honour Jesus Christ. I know some people may argue with me about this, but they must know that the Lord Jesus is the Word that became flesh (John 1: 14). Christ is the Word (Revelation 19: 13). Christ and the Word are one.
Therefore, to preach the Word is to preach Jesus Christ. The Bible says all things were created through Him and for Him. And it is in Jesus that all things hold together (Col. 1: 16- 17).
Moreover, Jesus is the life. He is the life of all Christians (Col 3: 4). He is the source of life. Only Jesus authoritatively said, “I am the life” (John 11: 25). In Him alone is life.
So, if we want our messages to be full of life, then, we have got to prepare them around Jesus. We have to make our messages Christocentric.
If a preaching or teaching does not honour Christ, does not testify to the truths about Jesus, does not promote the doctrine of Christ and does not agree with the sound knowledge of the Lord Jesus, it will have no life; it will be lifeless; it will be dry; it will be idle.
Without argument, sincere testimony of Jesus releases the power of the Holy Spirit as it is written, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” (Revelation 19:10).
A genuine prophet testifies to the truths about Jesus. He leads believers to the Lord, his Master. He guides believers to have faith in the saving grace of Christ who is God.
If a prophet or minister claims to have been called into ministry and is filled with the Holy Spirit, he will preach nothing but Jesus Christ.
Therefore, good biblical messages intended to edify, build up, develop, perfect or comfort Christians should be wired around Jesus Christ. The messages must glorify Him, considering that “without Him was not anything made that was made”.
A sincere modern servant of Christ will imitate the early apostles to preach and teach the doctrines of Christ; he will preach about how He conquered Satan and his demons on the Cross; he will preach about the preeminence of the Lord (Col. 1: 15- 23).
A faithful minister of Christ will teach about how Christ Jesus suffered to redeem Christians from the curse of the law (Gal. 3: 13).
It is very sad how today, many pastors have deviated. They have abandoned the preaching of the gospel of Christ to the preaching of material prosperity.
As a result, in many churches today, Christians do not grow up spiritually. Let us return to the Overseer of our souls, Jesus!
Thank you for reading. You may support this ministry financially by sending your donation to MTN MERCHANT ID: 951275 or MOBILE MONEY NUMBER: 05301659. God bless you.
James Quansah is the Executive Director of Christ-Conscious Leadership Centre (CLC) and lead Pastor of End-Time Christ’s Commissioners (ECC), Kumasi, Ghana. James is also a journalist by profession. He is married with four children.
