Today’s Reading, Romans 8-10
Focal Scripture: Romans 10:14 “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?”
Churches have many different approaches when it comes to preaching and the gospel. Some styles are more entertaining than others. Some preachers are more engaging than others. So what should be the goal of the preacher and what should churches look for in a preacher/pastor.
First they should look for someone who genuinely cares about the spiritual health of the people. He should be a person who wants to see others grow deep in their faith not just have a casual Christianity. He should be a person that proclaims the gospel in every message. His desire should be to expose the people to the whole counsel of God and point others to Christ. The gospel is not just for the lost but also for the believer.
In today’s reading Paul is explaining how people can call upon the name of the Lord and be saved. His answer is that a preacher must tell them about the gospel. A preacher must explain Christ and point people to him on a daily basis. It is a high calling but one that some people don’t do and some churches don’t want.
This is where the application comes today. If you are a preacher your main job is to love the people and preach to them Jesus Christ. His entire life, death, burial and resurrection. Christ should be the focus of your messages. No matter what you preach the overtones of the gospel should be explained and defended. The scriptures have a thread and that thread leads back to the person of Christ.
If you are a church member you need to have high standards for your preacher. They will never be perfect but they should always make much of Jesus. You should seek out sermons that explain, expound, and emphasis Christ. You don’t need self help sermons or 35 minutes of stories. You need the word of God. People should only respond to the power of the Holy Spirit and not an emotional or influential Ted Talk.
The reason churches and America are suffering today is a lack of clear and passionate preaching about Jesus. The scriptures are ignored and the people are suffering the consequences. If we want to see personal and corporate revival gospel preaching must make a comeback.
Seek a place to worship that exalts Jesus and makes him a priority. It is easy to meet people’s wants but preachers are called to meet their spiritual needs.
Seek better expectations from those who lead in the preaching of Gods word.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Romans 11-13
