SPECIAL PRÉCIS ON THE TERRIBLE CALLING OF A PASTOR, TEACHER, OR PRIEST IN THE DAYS OF DARKNESS: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART (WITH VIDEO)

THEOLOGY

SCRIPTURE. “Now as for you, son of man, I HAVE MADE YOU A WATCHMAN for the house of Israel; so you shall hear a message from My mouth and give them a warning from Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will certainly die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die because of his sin; but I will require his blood from your hand. But if you on your part warn the wicked man to turn from his [evil] way and he does not turn from his [evil] way, he will die in his sin; but you have saved your life.” – EZEKIEL 33:7-9, AMP

KEY TERM: “WATCHMAN.” ‘Tsaphah’ [צֹפֶ֥ה]: “A primitive root, ‘To lean forward;’ i.e., ‘to peer into the distance;’ (by implication) ‘to observe, await;’ also, ‘to spy, look up, to watch.’” NOTE: “צָפָה (‘tsaphah’) conveys the idea of ‘Keeping Watch from an Elevated Place’—scanning the horizon, anticipating movement, and announcing what is seen. Its roughly three dozen Old Testament occurrences span narrative, prophetic, poetic, and wisdom literature, uniting them around the themes of ‘Vigilance, Discernment, and Faithful Reporting.’”

QUOTATION. “I need a Watchman to tell me this is what a man says but this is what he means, to draw a line down the middle and say here is this Justice and there is that Justice and make me understand the difference.” ― HARPER LEE, Go Set a Watchman, 2015; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘So thou, O son of man’ — The Lord here applies the preceding account of the Watchman’s Office to the Prophet, and shows that his duty is illustrated thereby. As if he had said, ‘If a Watchman, appointed by his fellow-citizens, is so highly guilty, if he do not give warning to the city, and shall receive such punishment from My hands; what must not thou expect, who art appointed by Me to give warning to thy countrymen of the terrible evils which their sins will bring upon them, if thou NEGLECT to do it?’

God has never left His people without sufficient means of Instruction, but has vouch-safed it to them more or less in every age, from the beginning of the world to this day. He has, from time to time, and at all times, set Watchmen over them, raised up good and holy men to instruct, admonish, warn, and reprove. ‘I have even sent unto you ALL My servants the prophets daily, rising up early and sending them, but you have not hearkened unto Me, nor inclined your ear’ (Jeremiah 7:25). ‘When I say unto the wicked,’ &c. — See notes on Ezekiel 3:18-19.” – JOSEPH BENSON, Notes on the Holy Bible, 5 vols., 1811-1818; edited

II. TEACHING

WHAT IS A WATCHMAN? Before diving into this matter of terrible importance and urgency, let’s lay down some firm Doctrinal Foundations. I take the following information from the Editors of Got Questions, an excellent online journal for such definition (ret. Oct. 30, 2025; edited).

“‘Watchmen in the Bible were Guards responsible for Protecting towns and military installations from surprise enemy attacks and other potential dangers.’ Ancient Israelite cities often stationed Watchmen on high walls or in Watchtowers. Their job was to Keep Watch and Warn the townspeople of impending threats. The Hebrew word translated ‘Watchman’ means: ‘One who looks out,’ ‘One who spies,’ or ‘One who watches.’ Sometimes Watchmen were ‘Scouts’ who looked out for approaching friends as well as enemies …

‘Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time’ (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as Sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12). The Bible also refers to Watchmen in a ‘Spiritual sense.’ God appointed Prophets as Spiritual Watchmen over the souls of His people: ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them WARNING FROM ME’ (Ezekiel 33:7; also Hosea 9:8).

‘The Prophets’ job as Watchmen was to urge God’s people to live Faithfully and warn them of the perils involved in FALLING AWAY from the Lord and doing Evil.’ As Watchmen, the Prophets were also called to Warn wicked people of the Judgment and Destruction that would come their way unless they turned from their evil ways. ‘Israel’s Spiritual Watchmen bore a heavy responsibility before the Lord.’If a Prophet failed to warn others as God had appointed him to do, his own life was in danger, and he would be held accountable for the people’s sin. A Watchman who was blind or disobedient to the Lord’s Word left the people he was called to protect open to danger and suffering (Isaiah 56:10). ‘OBEDIENCE’ is the only course of action for a true Watchman: “But if you DO warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved” (Ezekiel 33:9).

‘In another sense, God calls not just Leaders, but ALL Christians to be Watchmen.’ Jesus told His disciples to: ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’ (Mark 14:38). We should ALL be ready and waiting for the Lord’s Return:

‘Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when He comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for Him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what HOUR [‘hóra’ (ὥρᾳ), ‘time or season’] the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him’ (Luke 12:35–40).”

IN SUM. “‘In the Bible, a Watchman was both a Literal Guard on a city wall and a Spiritual Figure like a Prophet or a [called] believer.’The ‘Literal Watchmen’ protected towns and armies from physical threats, while the ‘Spiritual Watchmen’ were tasked with Warning people of spiritual dangers and urging faithfulness. Both roles involved a duty to STAY VIGILANT! “Watch and pray,” and Warn others of impending danger to ensure their safety and well-being.” – AI Overview, ret. Oct. 30, 2025

III. WHERE ARE THEY?

I have pretty much covered the ground dealing with Pastoral Negligence of boldly speaking to our Present Crisis of Right Theology. One study for example lists FIVE FEARS that typically (yet compassionately) describe the Modern American Pastor.

This rather thoughtful and alarming analysis is from DR. CHARLES STONE, pastor, author, and specialist in Pastoral Struggles from his recent piece published in Biblical Leadership (May 11, 2025; edited).

INSIGNIFICANCE. “‘What if My Ministry is Insignificant?’ In my second book (Five Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them, 2010), I included a quote by David Goetz that captures this fear well. ‘I often sat in the studies of both small-church pastors and Mega-Church pastors, listening to their stories, their hopes, their plans for significance. I deduced, albeit unscientifically, that often ‘Clergymen in Midlife’ had worse Crises of Limits than did other professionals. Religious professionals went into the ministry for the Significance, to make an Impact, called by God to make a Difference with their lives. But when you’re fifty-three and serving a congregation of 250, you know, finally, you’ll never achieve the Large-Church Immortality symbol, the Glory that was promised to you. That can be a Dark Moment—or a dark couple of years.’”
FAILURE. “‘What if I Really Mess Up?’ One of the rising stars in the Baptist world in the 80’s and 90’s in the US, Joel Gregory, rose to what was then the pinnacle of the Baptist World to pastor First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX, and succeed W. A. Criswell. However, two years later he resigned, his marriage failed, and he sold cemetery plots to make a living. His remarkable journey, however, led him to a ‘Place of Redemption’ and he is now a respected preaching professor at Baylor University.”
NUMBERS. “‘What if People Leave My Church Because They Are Upset?’ I know of no pastor who has every led a church where 100% of the people ‘stayed.’ Some leave for good reasons. Some don’t. And often the pastor is the last one to hear they left. When that happens, it hurts, notwithstanding the good feelings that come from ‘Blessed Subtractions.’” [DK: Much more to this than is mentioned here, according to several recent research studies].
SYCOPHANCY. “‘What if I Can’t Make the People Happy?’ In my third book (People Pleasing Pastors: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Approval Motivated Leadership), I surveyed over 2000 Pastors and discovered that from 79%-91% of pastors self-admitted that ‘People Pleasing’ affected their ministry to some extent. This common temptation is even wired into our brains. ‘Social Rejection’ lights up the same regions of the brain that physical pain does so when we know someone is not pleased with our performance, it actually hurts.”
VULNERABILITY. “‘What if People Really Knew My Deepest Struggles?’ Acceptable struggles like overwork or eating too much usually don’t affect how church people see you. But, what about pastors who struggle with secret jealousies of more successful pastors, lust, or feeling that they often ‘fake it’ on Sundays? If the people knew their deepest struggles, what would they think? What would their Boards think? What would those who hold them in high regard think?”

MIGHTY MEN? While I appreciate the care with which Dr. Stone shared the results of his study, I was frankly astonished at the widespread INSECURITY of so many of our Pastors today. Bear in mind this was not a ‘Hit Piece’ review of our Shepherds today, but rather a ‘Friendly’ one.

‘All the more reason for our concern, beloved, and clearly a New Insight as to why our Christian Teachers cannot take a stand against the Trump Infection of our Churches.’

By stunning contrast, the Scriptures describe a class of Leaders called “Mighty Men,” a group of Elite Warriors, Valorous Soldiers known for their exceptional strength, bravery, and loyalty. These figures are prominently featured in the narratives of the Old Testament, particularly in the accounts of King David’s reign.

‘So where are they, beloved?’ Names like Edwards, Bonhoeffer, Spurgeon, Lewis, and Stott have been replaced with names like Osteen, Haggard, Falwell, Warren, and Hybels. In theNext Section, we will look at one frequently overlooked ‘Cause’ of this condition that must be noted if we are to more fully understand the abominable condition of our American Pulpits.

IV. ESCHATOLOGY DERANGEMENT SYNDROME (EDS)

Most of us recall some 40 years ago in the 1980s when it seemed the entire Evangelical community was teaching about the “Imminent Return of Christ” to the Earth. Today, the opposite is the case, hardly a whimper of the Traditional View of ‘The Parousia’ (‘Advent, Return, The Coming Presence’).

In its place the NEW DOMINIONISTS have posited that Christians must first perfect the Earth and its institutions before Jesus can come back (see Acts 3:21). Therefore any soon expectation of His Return is critically diminished. The New Narrative shared and promoted by the Maga Christian Nationalists is:

“Make AMERICA [not Jesus] Great Again!” By definition, this suppresses (indeed, suffocates!) in unrighteousness the Call to:‘Do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the cause of the widow, and make disciples’ (cf. Isaiah 1:17; Matthew 28:19-20).

So to begin closing our discussion, I turn to an excellent analysis by DR. STEVE MILLER (No, not that “Stephen Miller!”), professor emeritus of Old Testament and Hebrew Language. His essay is titled, appropriately: “Why Are Some Churches Reluctant to Teach Bible Prophecy?” (Harvest Prophecy, ret. Oct. 31, 2025; edited).

FEAR: “Of Generating Controversy and Division. There are many different views about the End Times, and sometimes they lead to strong disagreements between people. ‘For example, there are a variety of perspectives about the Iiming of the Rapture and Second Coming, the identity of the Antichrist, and whether End-Time Prophecies should be interpreted literally or symbolically.’ This leads some [most] Pastors and Bible Teachers to think it is better to simply ‘Stay Quiet.’ They don’t want to risk generating controversy and division within their congregation.”
FEAR: “Of Being Viewed as Sensational. Tragically, much of what is said and written about Bible Prophecy is accompanied by Sensationalism and wild speculations about the Future. ‘Wanting to distance themselves from those who are irresponsible, some Pastors and teachers distance themselves from Bible Prophecy altogether.’”
FEAR: “Of the Complicated and Unknown. A third problem is the perception that Bible Prophecy is complicated and difficult to understand. While there are some points of Prophecy that are still mysterious to us, much of it is quite clear, and many great resources are available today to help with that. ‘The fact there are some things we don’t understand doesn’t mean it’s better not to bring up Bible Prophecy at all.’ There are other mysteries in Scripture too—such as the truths about the Trinity—and it is okay if there are some questions we cannot answer. ‘We’re to teach ALL of God’s Word as best we can, and leave the results in His hands.”’

WHY WE MUST TEACH BIBLE PROPHECY. In light of all the forces arrayed against the teaching of what I prefer to call, Political Eschatology, here are the crucial REASONS we must return to its presentation.

‘While there is still but a little time!’

JESUS. He Himself Taught Bible Prophecy. “This alone should be reason enough. Our Lord spoke at length about the End Times in Matthew 24–25. There, He gave Five Warnings for people to be alert and ready (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50; 25:13). How can anyone be alert if they aren’t informed?

EQUIPPING. “We Must Teach ALL of Scripture So believers Can Be Equipped for Every Good Work. Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, ‘LLl Scripture is…profitable for teaching…so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.’ That includes Prophecy, which equips us in at least these Three Ways: (1) Prophecy motivates us to be holy in preparation for Christ’s Return, which could happen at any moment: (2) It reminds us of the Urgency of sharing the Gospel with the lost before time runs out; and (3) It teaches us to live with an Eternal Perspective.”

CODA. I recall having a rich but troubling conversation with DR. STEVEN ANDERSON, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary who largely held to an orthodox view of Biblical Prophecy. He even went so far as to propose, with copious Scriptural documentation and impeccable logic, that: ‘America nearly inarguably, is Babylon the Great’ (Revelation 17-18).

With which I strongly agree!

Yet he fought gale-force theological winds to even graduate, to make the point that the PROBLEM thatwe are discussing today begins at the Seminary Level, beloved. Then it is multiplied by the ‘Christian Nationalism Plague’ that I and others have been assailing for several years now.

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM & ESCHATOLOGY. Thus to conclude our examination of this vital issue, I finally consider the excellent work of DR. GARY GILLEY, former pastor, Bible scholar and currently Book Review Editor for the Journal of Dispensational Theology. His piece is published in Tott Ministries, Volume 28, Issue 7, October 2022 (edited).

“‘If we change our Eschatology, we will change the World — and TAKE DOMINION of it for the glory of God! That is the single most important task in all of Christendom second only to spreading the Gospel.’ So says ANDREW TORBA and ANDREW ISKER in Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion And Discipling Nations [2022]. DOUG WILSON [Extremist Pastor, Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho] endorses this book, writing, ‘If you want to know more about Christian Nationalism, this book is for you. You will be getting your info from the horse’s mouth’ …

These men see its adherents as Christians who want to PROTECT their neighbors from ‘foreign interests, alien worldviews, and hostile invaders,’ and have the Expansion of Christendom as their goal. Through which Christians ‘Order our State Governments in such a way as to help Christianity grow and flourish in our states without restrictions.’ Their primary objective is: ‘To build a parallel CHRISTIAN SOCIETY, economy, and infrastructure which will fill the vacuum of the failed Secular State when it falls. To accomplish this goal, they acknowledged that they must play the “LONG GAME,”which could amount to hundreds or even thousands of years.’ Progress toward this goal is possible only if the Eschatology of Christians is transformed from one of Pessimism to that of Optimism about the future.”

Therefore, I rightly conclude: ‘Foolish Prophecies and the Return of Jesus Christ be damned! We shall accomplish the Redemption of the Earth on our own!’

LAST WORD. These are the Great Heresies we are up against, beloved. But I tell you – whatever the Final Outcome (and the Scriptures are clear), if we shall REMAIN TRUE to the Christ and His Words, We cannot lose!’ Or as the Great Apostle wrote of it:

“What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?” – ROMANS 8:31, AMP

I tell you True, dear saints: NO ONE NOR ANY THING – Nor the very Gates of Hell shall prevail over us, nor the King’s Holy Purposes in these Last Days shall fail! WHY? Because He shall see to it!

MEDIA

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/pg2uaFPVAuI