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Mark 16:20 – Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (NIV)
Preaching has always been at the heart of the Christian church ever since it was established. The good news of the gospel has been proclaimed in more and more nations in every generation since the time of Christ sending out His disciples. Without preaching, Christianity would never have expanded beyond Judah and Galilee. With preaching, even people who live in the remotest areas of the world can hear and respond to Christ's mission.
In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, the quality of sermons was the number one reason why people choose to go to church. Even after two thousand years of progress, technological advances, and sophisticated communication gadgets, preaching still draws people to Christ. This is why Jesus sent out His disciples to preach in order to continue His mission on earth. Preaching was, still is, and possibly always will be the bridge between God's Word and Christ's people.
You may think that as a preacher, I am personally biased about this. To some degree that may be true, however it places a serious burden of responsibility on me to preach the gospel truth, even though I may not want to because some folks in the pews may not like to hear what God has given me to say. It would be only too easy to preach a message of being nice, pleasant, and courteous to one another, but the gospel of Christ is often hard to proclaim, tough to receive, and difficult to embrace. If this weren't the case, Jesus would never have been crucified.
As each Sunday approaches, I and preachers like me greatly appreciate the prayers of the people for both the preparation and presentation of the sermon. It is a unique opportunity to teach the faith, preach the truth, and help the church. It is also a solemn responsibility to present God's Word and reveal Christ's way for the world, as it always has been for almost two thousand years.
Points to ponder: How does preaching affect my faith? What is the best sermon that I have heard?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, be with Your preachers throughout the earth who are busy preparing sermons. May Your Spirit guide their words and may Your people be inspired by all that is truly proclaimed. Bless us all through Your holy Word. Amen.
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Quite true, John.
I agree that sermons are important, but music can play an important part too.
This is the heart of the gospel and bless you as you preach…
His word, not ours.
Keep up the good work, Pastor John, keep preaching the Gospel…the Gospel of Christ – NOT the Gospel of “Nice”!
Thank you pastor John for the devotions you write to inspire and encourage us every day.
Thank you for preaching the truth of God’s word and not just what people want to hear.
May God bless you today.
Hi John,
I can really relate to your devotional this morning, the fuzzy feel good feeling and everybody loves everybody message does not get it. People need to be told about Jesus, His life (As the hymn says “Tell me the stories of Jesus)” His death and resurrection.
Good words you wrote, Thank you.
Amen and Amen, John. For sure the message proclaimed is why I attend the church nearest to me. The Gospel is preached there. The focus is on Jesus and never wishy-washy. Denomination matters less to me than the message preached. That said, ministerial integrity counts. Maybe that’s why the evil one targets ministers and their families in order to undermine the message by diminishing the messenger. Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. Praying blessings upon you and your ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ. Preach it, Brother, preach it. Use words when necessary. Blessings.
Dear John,
I have been reading your devotionals for many years and have been moved to tears of regret and remorse as well as tears of joy in some of the ‘aha’ moments your writings have inspired. I want to tell you how much your faithful and challenging words have meant to me.
In answer to your question for reflection, I’d have to say that one of the best ‘mini’ sermons I have heard comes from the pastor who had the most influence on my spiritual journey. He would often use these words in his charge and benediction: “As you leave this place, remember that there is nothing you can do to make God love you any more, or any less, than God already does. Go and share that same unconditional love with all you meet. And may the blessing ….
Together serving Christ and his Church.
John, I’ve copied your prayer into my prayer list. May all your preaching bear fruit for Him! Amen.
Preaching bolsters and challenges my faith and I’m not sure any one sermon can be the best as each one becomes part of building one’s faith … brick by brick.
Dear John Stuart,
As each Sunday morning takes me to my kitchen, I often pray that many people all over the earth will join to worship God week after week.
I will try to add prayers for those who preach. May ministers be inspired of our Lord and be filled with his Spirit of TRUTH to preach nobly and convincingly. For Jesus sake. Amen.