Prophets of Truth, Not Puppets of Men
Christian pastors are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God, serving as ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven. Their commission is not to advocate for the transient kingdoms of men but to herald the eternal kingdom of God, which is breaking into the world through Christ. Indeed, this role is one of profound significance, demanding courage, conviction, and unwavering fidelity to the gospel.
Ambassadors, Not Lobbyists
The role of a pastor is distinct from that of a lobbyist or political advocate. Lobbyists labor to advance earthly agendas and ideologies; ambassadors of Christ carry the message of reconciliation and redemption through Jesus to the world. This distinction is critical and must be preserved against the growing pressures to align the pulpit with partisan ideologies. Culture may tempt pastors to pacify societal powers or advance political narratives, but the steward of the mysteries of God must fear Christ above all else. Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” The pastor’s loyalty must lie not with public opinion or political factions but with Christ—the resurrected, ascended, and soon-returning Savior.
The apostle Paul’s charge to Timothy encapsulates this responsibility: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, preach the word” (2 Tim 4:1–2a). Preaching the Word is not merely a suggestion; it is a divine mandate. It is a call to proclaim the authoritative, life-transforming truths of Scripture with boldness and clarity, regardless of cultural pressures or opposition.
Prophets, Not Puppets
Christian pastors are called to be prophets who speak forth God’s truth, not puppets who echo the talking points of human ideologies. The prophetic ministry of pastors is rooted in the proclamation of God-breathed Scripture, which carries ultimate authority over all human philosophies. The gospel is inherently confrontational—it stands in contradiction to the powers of this age and reveals their futility in light of the coming kingdom of Christ.
Psalm 2:1–2 vividly portrays the rebellion of human rulers against the Lord and His Anointed: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.” This rage against God is not unfamiliar territory for those charged with proclaiming the gospel. Pastors, therefore, must embrace their calling with boldness, knowing that the proclamation of the Word is itself a defiance of the spiritual rulers of this age. It is a declaration that Christ’s kingdom will ultimately supplant every earthly dominion.
The Power of Christ Over All
The power of Christ far surpasses that of all spiritual rulers and authorities. His resurrection, ascension, and imminent return affirm His authority over every power and dominion. This truth must be an ever-present reality in the minds and hearts of Christian preachers. Their focus must be on pleasing God rather than appeasing the fleeting desires of men. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:9, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”
The temptation for pastors to weaponize their sermons in service of nationalist agendas or political ideologies is strong in contemporary society. It is crucial, however, that pastors resist the allure of catering to itching ears and instead remain faithful to their heavenly calling. Their pulpit must be shaped by the agenda of Scripture, not the agendas of political movements. Only then can the church remain a beacon of truth and hope in a world marred by division and disarray.
Boldness in the Face of Opposition
The proclamation of the gospel often invites opposition. The message of Christ challenges cultural norms, exposes sin, and calls humanity to repentance and faith. This confrontation with the powers of this world is not an accident; it is an integral part of the gospel’s purpose. Pastors must be courageous in their calling, allowing the truth of Scripture to guide their ministry, even when it contradicts societal expectations or political ideologies.
The coming kingdom of God necessitates the end of all human kingdoms. This reality may be unsettling to those who cling to earthly power, but it is a source of hope and joy for those who trust in Christ. Pastors must be unwavering in their proclamation of this truth, knowing that the ultimate aim of their ministry is to glorify God and advance His kingdom.
Setting the Agenda of the Church
The agenda of the church’s pulpit must be dictated by the authoritative Word of God, not by the shifting priorities of political ideologies. The pastor’s sole ambition must be to please God and faithfully steward the gospel message. This requires discernment, conviction, and a steadfast commitment to Scripture.
Even when cultural pressures intensify and opposition mounts, pastors must cling to the truth of God’s Word. Their calling is not to pacify or placate but to proclaim the unchanging, life-giving truth of the gospel. By doing so, they fulfill their role as ambassadors of the kingdom of God, heralds of the coming King, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Conclusion
Christian pastors are called to a high and holy task: to be ambassadors of the kingdom of God, proclaiming the truth of Scripture with boldness and clarity. They are to be prophets who speak forth God’s truth, not puppets who conform to the expectations of men. In an age marked by division, confusion, and rebellion against God, the church’s pulpit must remain a beacon of truth and hope.
Against the raging nations and the fleeting powers of this world, pastors must fear Christ above all else. They must allow the authoritative, God-breathed words of Scripture to set the agenda of their ministry, resisting the temptation to align their sermons with partisan ideologies. By faithfully preaching the Word, pastors fulfill their divine mandate and advance the eternal kingdom of God.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 