The Importance Of Preaching
There are some in these last days who believe preaching is unnecessary. To accept this notion is to be ignorant of the Scriptures. Perhaps they just haven’t gotten far enough yet in their reading to see what it says. But according to the word of God, preachers who are sent play a vital role in the salvation of others.
Romans 10:5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 14 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? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”
The glad tidings are not the law of Moses. It is not behavioral modification—those who truly know how to get the gospel right are discernible sent ones.
Notice what works in the heart for salvation. It is the word of faith! The call to believe! The word of faith in Jesus alone is preached. I love the clarity of this encouragement and instruction.
It states, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus.” That is not merely a phrase without revelatory knowledge. “Jesus is Lord” implies an understanding of His authority and right to govern one’s life from now on. It is a call to surrender to the One who gave all to redeem and make new.
It also states, “Believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead.” This is not mental assent due to being unable to argue against the point effectively. It is not agreeing outwardly while disagreeing inwardly, and questioning whether or not it is really true that Jesus is alive and has a body.
The very righteousness of God is possessed by those who believe with the heart! Being brought into relationship with God by means of His own righteousness leads to a proper confession of faith, having been convinced of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
For all this to be someone’s reality, a preacher is needed. Someone sent by God to proclaim the good news. According to Scripture, such persons have beautiful feet because those feet carry them to their appointed destination, where the lost are in need of hearing the good news of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
1Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
I feel like Paul, I cannot help but preach the gospel because I am compelled to do so within. It is the only message reported to bring a release of God’s power for salvation. Thank You, Jesus, for preachers who carry the word of faith concerning You!
