“And take  . . .  the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17.

If the Sword of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God, then preachers of this Word cannot avoid controversy and conflict.

3. Preachers of this Word cannot avoid controversy and conflict. 

How many Christians wish for a conflict-free zone around their church! It cannot be if Christ is to be honoured and obeyed. Paul’s commission shows this to be so, Acts 9:15.

4. The wounds made by this Sword are spiritual wounds. 

Acts 2:37; 5:33; 7:54. Heb 4:12.

5. The wounds thus inflicted tend to healing. 

Acts 2:37, Ps 73:21. But such wounds, untreated, can lead to festering and to death, Acts 5:33, 7:54.