Preaching is one of the most frustrating and excited activities in my life. Many attempt the function and role of preaching and recognize the high level of responsibility that is placed upon them as they speak for God.
A preacher dives into the word of God CONSTANTLY striving to hear God speak to him, while preparing him (the preacher) to speak to the people. Can you imagine speaking the very words of God? Can you imagine the fear of mistakenly twisting and misinterpreting the word of God? It is unbelievably frightening to actually be a spokesman for God.
Many ask then, “Why preach? Why put yourself in that position?” Well I can’t answer that question for anyone else, but I can surely think of why I walk up to the pulpit, open up the text, explain the thoughts, share possible applications, and make a plead for repentance.
My Purpose for My Preaching
"To reverently & passionately explain the Word of God in a simplistic fashion so that it will be viewed and embraced as relevant while promoting change."
Reverence & Passion
My reverence & passion for preaching comes from my personal study of the Word of God. When I open up His word and see for myself the beauties and disciplines of His thoughts towards me, it always challenges me to live out my salvation with a sense of respect toward God, the Sovereign Lord. Philippians 2:12
Simplistic Delivery
I believe that preaching in its delivery shouldn't’t be complex. Though I'm aware that there are some passages and topics that maybe difficult to explain and deliver, I believe that the overall communication of the Word of God must be clear. People already have second thoughts about reading the Bible because of the idea that the Bible is too complex and hard to understand. When a preacher explains the Word of God in a simple fashion, it often motivates a listener to dig in for themselves. “Whew! If he can do it, I know I can.”
View & Embraced
With simplicity comes an opportunity for someone to see clearly. When the thoughts of God are simple, you can’t help but to see it. When an individual is able to understand the message, then it will create an opportunity for someone to embrace the beauties and disciplines of the Word.
Relevant
I believe relevance is one of the main keys to attracting an audience to a message. To keep it simple: if you’re not relevant, then there’s no reason to listen. In other words, if the preacher isn’t talking to me, it’s a good opportunity to catch a nap.
Promoting Change
When God speaks, it is a time of rejoicing but most importantly a time where God desires to fix you. It’s within the sharing of the Word of God where God operates. Within the preaching and teaching of His word, God opens you up to yourself, exposes the bacteria in your life, help you remove the disease, fills you up with His Word, patches you up with hope and faith and places you on a firmer foundation.
Though preaching may often create emotional and mental insecurities, I'm reminded of what Paul shares with the church in Rome:
"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15 (New Living Translation)
.Peace ~ The Young Lion
