And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.–Ezekiel 3:4
A preacher speaks with his own voice, but he must not speak with His own words. He must speak to God’s people with God’s words! He must speak with God’s words because he is sent by God: to do otherwise would be a dereliction of duty. He must speak with God’s words because only God’s words will do the people any good: to do otherwise would be a waste of time. He must speak with God’s words because only God’s words are true: to do otherwise would be to mislead the people. Without regard to the smiles or frowns of men, he must hold true to the word of God. Whether or not men will hearken, he must, none the less speak with God’s words. If there is no Bible in his hand, it is likely there is no truth to his message. One of the greatest judgments on a church is a pastor who preaches his own words. God preserve us from that!