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Why We Preach the Gospel.

WHY WE PREACH AT CFBC
Geoffrey R. Kirkland
Christ Fellowship Bible Church

Christ Fellowship Bible Church is radically committed to the preaching of the Word of God. Here are four foundational reasons why CFBC preaches the Word.

1. Because GOD COMMANDS IT.
The Bible calls men of God to “preach the Word” (2 Tim 4.2) and to teach and instruct with all authority (Titus 2.15). Paul was appointed by God as a preacher and an apostle and a teacher (1 Tim 2.7) to proclaim that Christ gave Himself as a ransom. God appointed Paul as a preacher (2 Tim 1.11). Thus, in the Word, God demands that all ministers preach the Word.

2. Because CHRIST MODELED IT.
Jesus stated that his purpose in life was to “preach the Kingdom of God” (Luke 4.43). At the outset of his public ministry, Jesus began to “preach and to say repent” (Matt 4.17). Jesus traveled to nearby towns to preach (Mark 1.38). As Jesus taught the crowds, people were hearing him expound the Word of God (Luke 5.1). Christ modeled a man given to the relentless pursuit of preaching and teaching the Word of God.

3. Because the SPIRIT USES IT.
When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, thousands were saved (Acts 2.38-41). When Paul preached the Word, the Lord opens the heart of nonbelievers to hear and respond to the Word (Acts 16.14). When the Word of God is preached, sinners are pierced to the heart (Acts 2.38). The preaching of the Word must never be with merely persuasive words and manmade mechanisms to persuade but rather it must always be faithful to the text and come in demonstration of the Spirit and power (1 Cor 2.4-5). The Spirit of God gives life to those who hear the Word and receive it (2 Cor 3:18-4:6).

4. Because IT ALLOWS GOD TO SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE.
The faithful expounding of the Word of God allows God to speak to His people. For believers, God uses the Word to sanctify and mature those who belong to Christ (1 Pet 2.1-2). It matures believers so they can be trained to know good from evil (Heb 5:13-14). For the unbelievers, the preaching of the Word presents the very word of God from the Word through the messenger/mouthpiece to the hearer so that God may save them. Indeed, all who are appointed to eternal life will believe when they hear the Word preached (Acts 13.48). Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word about Christ (Rom 10.17). Thus, true preaching allows God to truly speak!


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