THE LEADERSHIP OF PREACHERS (Part 4)
MARVIN L. WEIR

The message the apostles proclaimed was distinctive, and it soundly condemned all teaching not in harmony with the precious gospel. The same type of preaching must be done today if folks are going to be persuaded to obey Christ. Much is said today about one being “called” by the Lord, but the Scriptures clearly reveal that all are called through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

We have already seen that to “preach Christ” or to “preach good tidings concerning the kingdom of God” is one and the same. Another descriptive phrase the Scriptures use is preaching the Word. Peter stated, “But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25). Thus, to preach the Word is to preach the gospel. The apostle Paul charged young Timothy, saying, “preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

If a preacher intends to lead souls to Heaven, he must believe in the Word and preach it in its purity and simplicity.