Preaching Part 1: "The Importance of Preaching"

This is the first in a 3-part series of posts that will focus on Preaching. Specifically, the Importance of Preaching, The Goals of Preaching and The Mechanics of Preaching. This post will specifically address the importance of preaching.

We live in a world that has become hostile not only to the message of Christ but also to the medium by which that message is delivered. In many circles, "Preaching" has become a negative connotation that stirs up images of closed-minded hate mongers standing on soap boxes and condemning the world on behalf of a distant and judgmental God. Sadly, even in many modern churches, preaching has been downplayed or abandoned completely in lieu of services containing only worship music or experiential elements that exclude a formal sermon. While these other worship elements are good and beneficial, using them as an ongoing substitute and not a supplement to the sermon is irresponsible and completely unbiblical. There are even revisionists who claim that using sermons at all was a tradition borrowed by pagan religions and was never an intended part of God's plan for His Church.

The True History of Christian Preaching is one that dates back to Jesus Himself. Much of what we know of Jesus' Ministry in the Gospels comes directly from sermons delivered to large crowds proclaiming the goodness of God, the need for repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus commissioned His disciples to go out into the world and preach this same message. There has never been nor will there ever be a substitute for publicly proclaiming the Message. Nearly ever major positive shift in Western Culture can be traced in part or in whole to bold men who were unashamed to proclaim the Gospel, and Jesus is still using those who obey His command to be the salt and light of the world. In fact, there is no more powerful, revolutionary or life-changing force at our disposal than the public teaching of God's Word.

"I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT)