For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.–1 Corinthians 1:18
We live in a day when people love to be entertained–even at church. For many folks, music is much more appealing than preaching. They get all excited–clap their hands, raise their hands, pat their feet, and even cry, while listening to a stirring song, which is fine, but they sit there like a wooden Indian when the preaching starts. Face it–preaching is not a high priority for many people. Pastor Paul Chappell said it well when he wrote these words:
A faithful churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of his newspaper complaining about going to church every Sunday. He wrote, “I’ve gone for thirty years now, and in that time I have heard something like three thousand sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them.” This disgruntled church member was silenced when someone else responded, “I’ve been married for thirty years now. In that time my wife has cooked some thirty-two thousand meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work.”
Biblical preaching nourishes our souls and strengthens us spiritually. It gives a spiritual charge to face trials or temptations throughout our week. It focuses our hearts and minds on the Lord and renews thinking through His Word. God wants to nourish and strengthen you through His Word, and preaching is one of God’s methods of giving His children the nutrients they need.
God’s Word says, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (I Timothy 4:6). God desires to speak to us through the preaching of His Word. But we must make it a priority in our lives, listening with an open heart.
Ask yourself, do I go to church to hear from God? Or do I think of church attendance as just another weekly obligation? Preaching is a powerful tool that God uses to grow us spiritually. Make preaching a priority for you and your family.
