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5 Acts of Worship: Preaching



            I am so grateful for the opportunity to preach every Sunday. This is something into which I put much energy, time, and prayer. Yet preaching is not about me. It has never been about me, and it will never be about me. Paul said, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor 1:23-24).  Preaching is the fourth of five elements that we partake on the first day of the week. Yes, we partake together.
            I am reminded of Paul’s word in Romans 10:14-17, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”
The hearing of the Word is step one when it comes to obedience to the Gospel of Jesus. God’s plan to communicate the Good News was always through preaching. The Day of Pentecost: Preaching, The Ethiopian eunuch: Preaching, Cornelius: Preaching, Saul: Preaching. You get the point. God’s method is the preaching of the Word, and we all must hear and heed the word proclaimed. Preaching is an integral part of worship for the entire church. We must rejoice in hearing the Good News and never take hearing it for granted.  
Grace and Peace,
Ryan





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