Why is the messenger important and in what way is he important ? What role does he play in the value given to the message ?

In light of the latest revelations about another televangelist , One must ask how does the messenger affects the quality of the message he transmits . Do we weigh the message on its own merits or do we give it credence or liability as to its value depending on who delivers it ?

I have often hear it said " do as the preacher say , but not as he does " . I find this mind set some what untrustworthy or unreliable as a means to arrive at truth , Do you ? if so why ?

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We shouldnt as the message is from a Perfect God. The messengers are human and far from perfect. However, this does not mean that people are not persuaded by the messenger's actions and/or reputation (as I said we are far from perfect).

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Pondi

"Breathe Grace"

*Frens of Ja*

Only a perfected being can deliver a perfected message. A living word of God.

All other's will fall short, as will their message.



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Destroyer Of Worlds

like its been said, the messenger is only human. BUT there are certain boundaries, I think, I mean certain kinds of sin are in a way pardonable or at least understandable. I mean let us assume a preacher's wife has died several years back and he couldt take it no longer and consults a prostitute to get himself some relief.

OK. this might not be so nice but for me as a man, I understand his problem at least.

BUT

What if a preacher commits murder?? Or visits a call boy?? I mean these things are generally so against the scriptures that I would ask myself if this guy has been guided by the Holy Spirit at any time in his life, and afterwards I presumably couldnt get rid of the impression that he is just preaching for money's sake.

Well, but not only preachers are messengers, but also all followers of Christ in a way. If the Holy Spirit guides you will at least know that you are doing something wrong and maybe after a time (sometimes sooner, sometimes later) get rid of it, hopefully.

I think that messengers speak well to the people... and they are chosen for a reason...

Like my dad... he is a alcoholic, drug addict and a child abuser... but he got clean and "found jesus"... now he goes to the prisons and preaches to the prisoners... I am sure that they relate to him because he has been in their shoes... he is not perfect yet has found the strength through God to be a better person... so that gives them hope that they can do the same...

I think the messenger is very important.

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"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies"

Proverbs 31; 10

Sure, but as u indicated, what your father did is now behind him, hopefully. I mean it aint no good if someone preaches water but drinks wine...
Imagine your father would after preaching in the prisons abuse a child and then get himself drunk and high. He would definitely be no good example or a role model to follow.

True.........

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"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies"

Proverbs 31; 10

Of course the value of the message should be weighed upon the actions of the messenger. I definetly agree it's unreliable and untrustworthy. If a person teaches that something is wrong, then that person should not be involved in that same thing. Sure people make mistakes, but the messenger actions should line up with his message. If not, then there just might be something wrong with the message.

The message seems to lose its validity if the messenger doesn't "practice what he preaches"...

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"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies"

Proverbs 31; 10

and that pretty much sums it up in my book

How important is the Messenger to the message ......? Depends if the messenger is instant or not.