Peter, who was an apostle, elder, and great preacher of the gospel, was called to the house of Cornelius. He was uncertain why he was called to the house of this Gentile. God, through a vision, explained to Peter why he should go. God told Peter in the vision, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” (Acts 10:17). The vision must have been of importance, because Peter had the vision three times. After waking from his sleep, Peter was confused and did not understand the meaning of the vision. It was not until Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius that he understood what God wanted him to know. Peter said, “…God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean (Acts 10:28). Peter then asked Cornelius, “… for what intent ye have sent for me” (Acts 10:29)? Cornelius responded by stating, … now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God” (Acts 10:33). It was Peter’s purpose as a preacher of the gospel to tell Cornelius what he and his family had to do to be pleasing to the God of heaven. Peter finally understood the intentions of Cornelius.
When congregations are searching for a gospel preacher, sometimes it must be asked, for what intent ye have sent for me? Not all congregations have the right intent for a preacher. Some congregations call for a preacher to do all of the church work. No one else evangelizes, or edifies, or does benevolent work. Many members think since we hired a preacher, let him do it all. Other congregations call for a preacher to hold him and his family up on a pedestal. When Cornelius saw Peter coming, he bowed down and worshipped him. Peter said, “Stand up; I myself also am a man” (Acts 10:26). Many hold the preacher in higher esteem than everyone else. The preacher has many of the same problems, pains, and tribulations as everyone else. He is not exempt from those things. When congregations hold the preacher in higher esteem than others, when he sins or makes a mistake, it becomes difficult for many to forgive him.
Many congregations do have the right intent for calling a preacher. It is my hope and prayer that the Meigs Avenue Church of Christ has called me here so that this congregation can hear all things that are commanded of God. The Church of Christ was established on gospel preaching, and in order for the church here at Meigs Avenue to be pleasing to God, we must continue to preach, teach, and obey that same gospel.
On the other hand, many preachers do not have the right intent for accepting the work at a congregation. Some accept a work because of prestige. If a congregation has a large membership, it will look good on the preacher’s resume. Other preachers have the intent of taking advantage of congregations. They only accept a position to see what they can get from a congregation. True preachers of the gospel have the right intent. As a gospel preacher, it is my intent to tell the church all things that are commanded of God. It is my intent to do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of my ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).
We are delighted to be working with this fine congregation. We look forward to a long, fulfilling relationship where we all can glorify our Father together. The only way this will be accomplished is by all of us having the right intent.
Kelvin Pugh
The Worker
8/29/2007
