Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. Galatians 1:1 | NIV Sunday after Sunday, in thousands of congregations across our land, a person walks slowly up to a lonely podium to speak. Some talk for 10 minutes, and some for an hour, while claiming they are speaking on behalf of heaven. Have you ever once asked yourself, "Were they really sent? By whose authority do they speak?" If that question was asked more often then it is, I think the church would be, as a whole, much better off. I am not sure many of the Sunday morning soubrettes were ever actually sent by Jesus in the first place (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)? In Galatians, Paul was facing strong opposition from a group of believers who doubted his credentials. So he pulled out his VIP Card to silence the naysayers,"I am an apostle!" That means a sent one, with full authority and acclaim from on High. Beat that you rascally legalists! As a result, the church grew and Christianity flourished. But this isn't always the case: there are numerous men and women claiming they too are God's herald of truth when they are nothing more than play actors on a stage of their own making. But because the church is filled with such nice people, many congregations just grin and bare their local charlatans and con-artists for years. What does it mean to be sent? And how do you know if someone is? Theologians over the years have identified four types of "sent ones." All the way back to 347 A.D. St. Jerome asked what makes a sent minister of Jesus? here is what he said: (1) God Sent "Those sent neither from men, nor through men, but directly from God." These are those who must say something - - they just can't help it. Like Jeremiah whose word was like a "fire in the belly!" this group can't hold it in, and when they speak, people instantly recognize their calling. Eloquence and polish are not part of their portfolio, but clear cutting truth. (1 Corinthians 1:17 & 2:1) These people are often very lonely and broken, a humility born from the heat of battle; because not many men and women want to hear them once their flaming words come rolling off the tongue. They cut the heart of the complacent. However, those thirsty for God run to hear them. (2) Commissioned by God, Confirmed by Men "Those sent usually rise from the ranks and are recognized with a God given giftedness." Like Joshua sent by Moses, and Timothy by Paul, this group of ministers have been recognized as messengers because of their consistent life and solid teaching. This group is not flashy nor are they born provocateurs, instead, they are groomed from the ranks of the noble and mature. As H. A. Ironside writes, "Often these servants are examined by the brethren and are satisfied that he can preach, and so commend him to the work, perhaps by the laying on of hands." (3) Accredited by the Group "Those who are chosen based upon the favor they have won with people rather than their upright conduct and spotless integrity; this group are born performers." As Jerome says of some men, "O bishop, you surely would not be a bishop today if you had not paid a hundred gold coins!" Often this group has chosen ministry as a profession, a business proposition, a good fit for their skill set; not as a calling as a direct result of being born again. They are the "Ear Ticklers", "Trend Followers", "Suit Wearers", "Money Makers", and "Progressive Demanders of Equal Access for All." The pulpit becomes a prize for these people, not a burden to be carried. As Ezekiel 33:30-32 describes, these are the people who are happy to sing for the curious crowd and perform for the paying customer, but they really are not sent by God. They are not the prophet whose words land heavy and leave damage. They are performers who shine when the lights are on, but are shallow men and woman when you encounter them in the shadows. (4) Dangerous and Deluded Posers "There are men and women who posture themselves as Christ's ministers, and have not received their authority neither from God nor from men, they are free-lancers. You have to take their own word for it that they are definitely appointed. Nobody else has been able to recognize any evidence of it." As Charles Spurgeon has said, "This group is sure they are sent, but after awhile you begin to realize they are streams without water and black clouds without rain." This group is born by a pride of self-delusion; and they will try to worm their way to gain influence over those who have little discernment or appreciation for God ordained systems of authority. They are jealous and are desperate for followers of their own; and yet, they can only win people over by tearing down those they see as competition or a threat. So who sent your preacher? Who has your ear? A messenger of God, a posing professional, or a deluded disciple of the devil? Remember, be a Berean, they are people of noble character because, "they received the message of Paul with great earnestness and then examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
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