THE LEADERSHIP OF PREACHERS (Part 3)
MARVIN L. WEIR

What should one in a leadership role teach and preach? The only thing that God has ever authorized to be taught is His inspired truth (John 17:17). People are led to Christ by preaching Christ – not social and felt needs! When Philip went to Samaria he “proclaimed unto them the Christ” (Acts 8:5). The results of preaching Christ are recorded when the Scriptures declare: “But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God  and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). How did the Samaritans know they needed to be baptized? Philip stressed the essentiality of baptism for salvation just as Peter did on the day of Pentecost. The people upon hearing Peter preach Christ were “pricked in their heart” and asked, “Brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37)? “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

In order to lead people to salvation a gospel preacher will preach the gospel. The gospel is the only power to save (Romans 1:16). Thus, spiritually speaking, anything else preached is a waste of time. Our Lord left no room for doubt as to what message He wanted preached. The Lord said to His chosen apostles, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).