Preach the Word!

It could have been a real temptation for the early church to say, “We want to experience Pentecost every day. We want more supernatural phenomenon.” Instead, we find them reveling in the Word of God.

What is true of a church is also true of individuals, because the church is made up of people. An interest in and a desire to study the Word of God is important, because one of the trends I see in the church today is to disregard the study of Scripture, to no longer make Bible study the centerpiece of a church service. Instead, some assert that it is rather arrogant to say that you understand what the Bible teaches. They would rather discuss their personal doubts, talk about the things that bug them about the evangelical church, and examine the spiritual journeys of Bob Dylan, Bono, and Johnny Cash.

Yet we read in the Bible that the early church loved the Word of God, and they valued preaching and the apostles’ doctrine. And there is something wonderful that happens when the church studies the Bible together. It is great to study it individually, but it is especially beneficial when believers come together for Bible study.

I appreciate Christian media, and we have people from all over the world who tell us how our radio programs, webcasts, podcasts, and other forms of communication really help them. I am thankful for that, but I also hope these are supplemental to their church involvement. Nothing can take the place of being involved in a church and hearing and studying the Word of God with others.

God has ordained preaching as a primary function of the church. And those who are called to preach are called to preach the Word of God.