The Need of Preaching

Romans 10:14 (ESV) … “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?”

Paul follows his statement of the responsibility of all people to call on the Lord with a challenge to those who have called on him and are saved to do all they can so that others will know of that responsibility. How will people be made aware of whom they need to call on to be saved? How will they know how to accept God’s gracious gift of salvation?

Calling on the name of the Lord and receiving God’s salvation happens only when one believes. And one can’t believe until he or she has heard. And one can’t hear unless there is someone—a preacher—who is willing to tell the story. The Greek word translated someone preaching describes a herald or an announcer who runs ahead of a king and proclaims what the king wishes others to know. Certainly, the task of preaching can be done by any Christian who tells the good news to someone else. At the same time, there must be those who will give their lives to preaching and teaching in the setting of the local church. The church has always needed those willing to answer such a calling. And those who are ready to do so need to be supported and sent, as the next verse indicates.[1]

Pray today for those who preach the world of God and deliver the hope of salvation. Pray also for those who need to hear the call of God for the ministry of preaching. Let us not forget this key ministry in work of the Kingdom of God.

[1] Redford, D. (2007). The New Testament church: Acts-Revelation (Vol. 2, pp. 148–149). Cincinnati, OH: Standard Pub.