Clear communication is essential because without it, the message becomes meaningless and fails to instruct or prepare the hearer.
Paul compares unclear speech to a trumpet giving an uncertain sound—soldiers wouldn't know to prepare for battle. Les Feldick emphasizes making the gospel so plain that anyone, even a child, can understand and know what they believe.
1 Corinthians 14:8 — This verse directly states that an uncertain trumpet sound fails to prepare people for battle, illustrating the necessity of distinct communication.
In 1 Corinthians 14:8, Paul writes, "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" The context emphasizes that even musical instruments must give distinct sounds, or the melody is unknown. Applied to speech, if words are not easy to understand, the speaker is 'speaking into the air' (1 Corinthians 14:9). The principle is that communication must be clear and distinct to be effective.
Les Feldick stresses that teaching must be in language common people can understand; otherwise, it is ineffective. He aims to present the gospel as plainly as possible so no one misses salvation. He also notes that he does little interpreting but simply shows what the Book says, helping people understand what they read.
Paul uses the example of a trumpet in battle: each sound has a distinct meaning (attack, retreat, etc.). If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, soldiers do not know how to respond. Similarly, in church, if communication is unclear, the hearers are confused and cannot respond appropriately.
Les Feldick insists on making the gospel so simple that even a young child can understand. He reads theological paragraphs to his wife to test clarity, and if she doesn't understand, he knows it's too complex. He wants every hearer to know what they believe, not just have blind faith.
Trumpet Illustration
Les explains Paul's trumpet illustration: distinct sounds are necessary for soldiers to know what to do, just as distinct speech is necessary for listeners to understand.
Creation of Adam: Body, Soul, and Spirit Explained
I think most of you realize that. Paul always writes to the believer, whether it's Romans or anything in between, he always writes to the believer. Now as he writes to the believer, naturally the Word of God is going to have an effect on the unbeliever.
Gospel Plainly
Les expresses his fervent desire to present the gospel as clearly as possible so that no one under his teaching misses salvation.
Creation of Adam: Body, Soul, and Spirit Explained
And you know what my answer was? I said, if I'd make it any more difficult, you'd say, that's too hard. That's the human nature. But it is. It is so simple, and yet it's so complex, you know, I can teach it night after night and never exhaust it. But it's the power of God unto salvation, as Romans 1.16 puts it. To everyone that joins a church, no. That's baptized, takes communion, no.
Creation of Adam: Body, Soul, and Spirit Explained
I hope that every one of you will be skilled enough in the Scripture that God can use you to present this gospel to anyone who may be searching and looking for the plan of salvation. And let's look at it again. "...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel, which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand, by which also you are saved.
Common Language
Les emphasizes that he teaches in language common people can understand, unlike some theologians whose writings are incomprehensible.
What Does Revelation 22 Really Mean? Eternity Explained
Most of these things are just as plain as they can be. Like I told someone the other night, you know, only one time in all my 20 years of teaching has someone said, Well, that's your interpretation. But that dear brother, after laying out about three weeks, I kid him about it every once in a while, he came back and he's been one of my best students ever since.
Help People Understand
Les's aim is to help people understand and know what the Bible says, showing them what it says and what it does not say.
1 Corinthians 14:8: For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
This verse is the core of Paul's argument: unclear sound leads to confusion and lack of action.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Les references this to show the importance of clear preaching for faith to be generated.
It symbolizes unclear or ambiguous communication that fails to give a distinct message, leaving people confused about what action to take.
No, he intentionally uses language that common people can understand, making the gospel and Bible teaching accessible to all.
So that everyone clearly understands the message of salvation and no one misses it due to confusion or complexity.
Watch the Teaching: Why Prophecy Is Greater Than Tongues - 1 Corinthians 14 Explained