Without a Preacher
Today’s Verse:
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ~Romans 10:14
The high priority of the gospel ministry is the preaching of the gospel. Preaching in a church is the center point for directing the congregation towards the worship of God. It has been said that “preaching is the engine that drives the church.” God’s great leaders have been preachers. This list includes, but is not limited to, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah, Nathan, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, John, Paul, Philip, Stephen, Timothy, and the Apostles. Of course, the greatest of all preachers was our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Paul asked the question, “How shall they hear without a preacher?”
We see the declaration.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Preaching is the bold declaration of God’s holy Word to man. Preaching is crying out and lifting up one’s voice like a trumpet call. Preaching is not to spare or mince words. It is “thus saith the LORD.” It is God’s chosen means of communication to man of his need of salvation. “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). God has used preaching to comfort the afflicted, heal the sick, raise the dead, and put life where things have been lifeless. God blesses and uses preaching!
We see the demand.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Pastors feed the flock of God through preaching. Preachers must preach the Word. We preach Christ. We must be ready to preach in season and out of season: this means being prepared at all times, whether scheduled or unscheduled. Preaching goes to the heart of every person and the heart of every matter. It calls out sin, tells us what we are supposed to do, and inspires us to be the right person and do the right things for God. Preaching must be with great forbearance with the people we preach to and always filled with doctrine. Preaching must avoid trying to win the audience, but, instead, must be God’s means of conveying truth and stirring hearts. Preaching demands that men are prayed up, living holy lives, and studying to show themselves approved unto God.
We see the deficiency.
"How shall they hear without a preacher?" What a tragic thought to be without a preacher. Without a preacher, churches are left without spiritual leadership. Without a preacher, sinners will go to Hell. Without a preacher, there are no revivals. Without a preacher, cities cannot be reached and church planting is ineffective. Without a preacher, congregations shrivel up spiritually. Without a preacher, we will have deficient faith. Without a preacher, soulwinning becomes a non-necessity. We must have preachers. We must have preachers who are Spirit- and Word-filled. We must have preachers who have a message from God. We must have preachers who mentor other preachers. The world might despise and reject preachers, but the need for preachers today is greater than ever before. Pray for God to raise up more preachers who are bold, fearless, Spirit-filled, and have a vision for getting God’s Word everywhere.
Have a Word-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 106-107