The Equipping Ministry, Student Workbook, SW15

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T H E E Q U I P P I N G M I N I S T R Y

B. A preacher is an ambassador : The preacher of the NT is a representative of the Kingdom of God and speaks the message of the King in a foreign land.

The notion of being an envoy, a messenger, of being one sent to represent and speak on behalf of another is a repeated idea in the Scriptures.

1. Prov. 13.17 - A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

2. John 20.21 - Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

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3. Acts 26.17-18 - . . . delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles— to whom I am sending you [18] to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

4. Eph. 6.20 - . . . for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Preaching can be understood as truth through personality to constrain conscience at once. ~ Henry Sloane Coffin

5. 2 Cor. 5.20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

C. A preacher is a “Fed Ex” delivery man : he delivers a message which is meant to be delivered to a particular person or group.

The biblical sense of a prophet is akin to the preaching office and task.

1. Peter being sent to Cornelius, Acts 10.32-35