Through the preaching of the Word, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, reveals the beauty of Christ, and empowers us to live a life of obedience and faith. As Paul writes in Romans 10:14-15, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" May we cherish the preaching of the Gospel and sit under it with humble and receptive hearts, that we may know Christ more deeply and be transformed by His grace.
We preach the Gospel to all because Jesus commanded us to, because everyone needs to hear, and because it is a way of loving our neighbours. May we be faithful to share the Good News with everyone we meet, so that they might come to know Jesus and be saved.
* In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded.
* In Romans 10:13-17, Paul writes that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." But how can they call on him if they haven't believed? And how can they believe if they haven't heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching?
* In Colossians 1:28-29, Paul says that he works hard to preach the Gospel to all, so that he might present everyone mature in Christ.
Why do we Preach Gospel?
* Why do we preach the Gospel to all? First, because Jesus commanded us to. In Matthew 28, he gives us the Great Commission, telling us to go and make disciples of all nations. This is a command, not a suggestion.
* Second, because everyone needs to hear the Gospel. In Romans 10, Paul reminds us that faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes from the message of Christ. Without someone preaching the Gospel, people will not hear and will not have the opportunity to believe and be saved.
* Third, because preaching the Gospel is a way of loving our neighbors. In Colossians 1, Paul says that he works hard to preach the Gospel to all, so that he might present everyone mature in Christ. He wants to see people come to know Jesus and grow in their faith, because he loves them and wants the best for them.
Jesus is the only way to salvation:
* The apostles were entrusted with the gospel message and commissioned to share it with the world (Mark 16:15)
* In Acts, we see the apostles faithfully carrying out this commission, preaching to various audiences
The Apostles Preached the Gospel of Salvation (Acts 10:42-43)
* They proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, who saves us from our sins (Acts 8:5, 35; 9:20).
The Apostles Preached with Power and Authority (Acts 2:42-43; 1 Thess. 1:5)
* They preached with the power of the Holy Spirit, confirming signs and wonders (1 Thess. 1:5).
The gospel is not just a message, but a powerful, life-changing force (Rom. 1:16)
We must listen to and obey the Word of God (James 1:22)
The Apostles Preached the Word of God (Acts 8:25; 14:7, 21, 25; 15:35, 36; 16:10)
The Apostles Preached Repentance and Forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 10:43)
* They called people to turn from sin and trust in Jesus for forgiveness (Acts 16:30-34)
We must turn from sin and trust in Jesus for salvation (Luke 13:3)
* They preached the whole counsel of God, keeping back nothing helpful (Acts 20:20, 27)
We must submit to God's kingdom and reign in our lives (Matt. 6:33)
The Apostles Preached the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:6-7)
* They preached the good news of God's reign and rule in our lives (Acts 20:25).
We have hope beyond the grave through Jesus (John 11:25)
The Apostles Preached Hope Beyond the Grave (Acts 17:18; 20:21)
* They preached the resurrection and eternal life through Jesus (1 Cor. 15:14, 19-20).
Let us preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20). May the power of the Holy Spirit guide us as we share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8). Let us be bold and faithful in proclaiming the Gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16-17). May our preaching be filled with love, compassion, and the authority of God's Word (2 Timothy 4:2). Let us preach Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and reigning, to a world in need of His grace and mercy (1 Corinthians 2:2). Amen!
