Preaching, as a central element of Christian ministry, is the proclamation of the Word of God. It serves as a means to teach, exhort, and edify the body of Christ, as well as to evangelize the lost. The following scriptures, drawn from various parts of the Bible, provide insight into the nature, purpose, and practice of preaching.

Old Testament Foundations

1. Isaiah 61:1 · "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners." This passage highlights the prophetic role of preaching as a divine commission to deliver God's message of hope and liberation.

2. Jeremiah 1:7 · "But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a child." For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.'" Here, the emphasis is on obedience to God's call to preach, regardless of personal limitations or fears.

New Testament Practice

1. Matthew 28:19-20 · "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." The Great Commission underscores the global and instructional scope of preaching.

2. Mark 16:15 · "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'" This command from Jesus emphasizes the universal mandate to proclaim the gospel.

3. Acts 2:14 · "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: 'Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.'" Peter's sermon at Pentecost exemplifies the boldness and clarity required in preaching.

4. Romans 10:14-15 · "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" This passage highlights the necessity of preaching for faith to arise in the hearts of listeners.

5. 1 Corinthians 1:18 · "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Preaching the cross is central to the Christian message, despite its perceived foolishness by the world.

6. 2 Timothy 4:2 · "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." Paul’s exhortation to Timothy emphasizes the readiness and multifaceted nature of preaching.

Characteristics and Qualities of Preaching

1. Colossians 1:28 · "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." Preaching involves both admonition and teaching, aimed at spiritual maturity.

2. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 · "Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." The integrity and God-pleasing nature of preaching are highlighted here.

3. Titus 1:3 · "In His own time, He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior." This verse underscores the divine timing and trust involved in the act of preaching.

Preaching remains a vital and divinely ordained means of communicating God's truth, calling for faithfulness, courage, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Through preaching, the church fulfills its mission to spread the gospel and nurture believers in their faith.Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
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Matthew 11:25,26
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes.
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Luke 10:21
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in your sight.
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1 Corinthians 1:17,18,21,23,27-29
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
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1 Corinthians 2:1-8,12,13
And I, brothers, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.
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1 Corinthians 14:1-20,24,25
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.
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2 Corinthians 2:14-16
Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the aroma of his knowledge by us in every place.
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2 Corinthians 3:12,13
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
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Colossians 1:23-29
If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
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1 Thessalonians 1:5
For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
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1 Thessalonians 2:3-12
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
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1 Timothy 6:20,21
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
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2 Timothy 2:15,16
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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Titus 1:3
But has in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
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Titus 3:8,9
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
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