From that time on Jesus began to preach,
‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Matthew 4:17 (NIVUK)

The idea of preaching
It has long been suggested that preaching isn’t a very effective means of communication, and that almost any other means would be preferable.  And we do need to remember that preaching “does not require a 20-minute monologue from a carved pulpit; the word can be preached in far less formal ways” – for example in a conversation over a cup of coffee, through the pages of a book, or via the dialogue in a film.

But the act of preaching preserves something vital for us all: “Preaching is not so much a method as a reminder that the word is a declaration of news and a summons to repentance … the idea of preaching preserves the nature of the communication – namely, that it is a message, not a discussion; a declaration, not a question; a summons, not a debate” (Peter Jensen, The Life of Faith: An introduction to Christian doctrine).

That’s not to say that there’s no place for discussion, question or debate; of course there is.  The point is that God has something to say, an announcement to make, truth to tell and ‘preaching’ of one kind or another is the appropriate way to communicate that kind of message.  Jesus himself came as a preacher; it has been said that God had one Son and he made him a preacher.

It’s not that any particular preacher has something important to say, and we need to listen to them, but rather that God himself has something important to say (indeed something of life-saving and life-giving importance) and we need to listen to him (for the sake of our souls and our eternal destiny).  

That’s the idea and the value of preaching: the act of preaching encourages us to recognise that God speaks and we listen.  It puts us in the right attitude before God, an attitude exemplified by the boy Samuel when he prayed, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).

Prayer
Lord, you have spoken at many times and in various ways, and finally in the person of your Son; speak, Lord, for you servant is listening.  Amen.

Yours warmly, in Christ,

Chris Hobbs (Senior Minister)