As you read your Bible, you will notice that a positive emphasis is placed on the preaching of God's word. In the opening chapters of the book of Mark, we read of John the baptizer preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4 NKJV), as well as Jesus preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14). Later in that chapter, Jesus said to his disciples, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth (Mark 1:38). In chapter two, many gathered together... and He (Jesus) preached the word to them (Mark 2:2),Then in chapter three, He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14). Indeed, we know that the Lord wants everyone to hear the word preached, as Mark concluded his book with Jesus saying, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). These verses are only a small sampling of what the Bible says about the subject of preaching, but it should remind us that the Lord expects His word to be preached to others.
Why is preaching important to God? Before we answer that question, let us first ask, "What is preaching?" To answer this question will also give us an answer to the first. Let's look at two places in Scripture that describes what preaching is. The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, saying, Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). Here we see that preaching involves "warning" and "teaching" to the end that everyone might be spiritually mature in Christ. Everyone needs to be warned of the consequences of sin because they are eternal. Everyone should also welcome instruction (teaching) so that they can strive to be spiritually mature. The second passage we will look at is in 2 Timothy. Once again, the apostle Paul writes about this subject, and he tells Timothy to Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Here, the apostle lists three things that preaching should do. Wayne Jackson gives a great description to each of these words that I would like to share with you (Paul's Letters to Timothy and Titus, Before I Die, p. 277). The first word is "convince," and brother Jackson states this word conveys the idea of correcting one who is wrong. "Rebuke" is to express strong disapproval of sin. The third word is "exhort," which is a strong appeal to encourage. A preacher should strongly encourage others to obey the will of God while they have the opportunity.
This week, you and I are blessed to feast upon the word of God, as we hold our annual gospel meeting. Our brother, Greg Dismuke, will be preaching the word, and I have every confidence that he will be prepared to do just that. Hopefully, you and I will be prepared and eager to receive the word preached, so that we might have the opportunity to grow, make corrections if necessary, and be encouraged. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV).
Brotherly, Jamie
