ASK YOUR PREACHER!

Written by

Christopher Mentzer

If your preacher were to get up before the congregation and started preaching about a planet where God lived and that He had a wife and children, would you question where it’s written in the bible? Or would you simply accept it as doctrine because the preacher told you? All too often in the denominational world the latter is the way things are. As I think back on my days as a Lutheran, I recall no one brought a Bible into the auditorium nor were there any in the pews. Those who do bring a Bible to service usually have it tucked proudly under an arm and are used like a form of clothing, something to go with the Sunday Outfit.

So how does one know if a preacher is telling the truth or actually quoting scripture? The Bereans actually looked in the scripture to find the things that Paul spoke about (Acts 17: 11). What a concept! Actually opening your Bible and following along. What about asking your preacher where these things are located in the Bible? Sometimes people look at their preacher as unapproachable. Since he’s called Reverend, Pastor or Father; he’s above those in the congregation. After all, if he has a title doesn’t that make him very important? Not according to Jesus (Matt. 23).

Back in 1947 a Christian by the name of William Curtis Porter wrote several radio sermons entitled “Ask Your Preacher”. He challenged his listeners, regardless of their beliefs, to actually go up to their preacher and demand book, chapter, and verse for the things he preaches. Why? Well for one reason, you’re helping to pay his salary. If he’s not preaching the truth, then you are paying him to lie. Another reason is to help your own personal study. For example, if your preacher was talking about Paul on Mars Hill and you wanted to know where you could read about it, he should be able to tell you exactly where it is.

Here’s an example of one of brother Porter’s challenges:

Ask your preacher where the Bible says babies are born in sin.

I know that nearly all religious bodies teach this. And very likely your preacher does the same thing. Perhaps you didn't even know that he so teaches. But go to him and ask him if he believes that babies are born in sin; and if he does, then ask him where the Bible says so.

I recall that Jesus says in Matt. 18:3 "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." If men must become as little children to enter the kingdom, that doesn't sound like little children are sinners. And again he said in Mark 10: 14: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Since the kingdom of God is made up "of such" as little children, it becomes evident that little children are not born in sin. But maybe your preacher knows the text that says they are born in sin. If not, then he will be able to find it if it is there. So go to him this very day and ask him for it. And if there is anything you want to ask me, don't hesitate to do it. I am vitally interested in preaching the truth; I don't want to preach anything else. But I do want to preach the truth in its purity.

This is a very straightforward statement and should be so when dealing with anyone who believes things that are contrary to the bible. Those who are reading this article should take this information to their preacher and ask them about it. If they cannot answer you from the Bible then perhaps you need to rethink why you are paying this man to tell fables and not the truth (2 Tim 4: 4; 2 Peter 1: 16). Jesus said in John 4: 24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

I’ve put together tracts from the “Ask Your Preacher” series and have them available for all to use. I also have the links on my website so you can read some of the other subjects he discusses.