My Journey of Love: Why I am Passionate about Preaching

Picture source: Elder Khoo

Preaching is not just a duty or role for me; it is a calling that has deeply impacted and transformed my life. Through the art of preaching, I have discovered the joy of explaining and clarifying the Word of God, sharing His goodness, deepening my understanding, encouraging and exhorting others, and building communion and community. Join me on this intimate journey as I unveil the reasons why my heart beats with love for preaching. I am not a good preacher. Due to my dyslexia, I mispronounce words and wave my hands around too much.  However, I do not intend to strive to be a perfect preacher, nor do I desire to be one. I want to be an authentic person who preaches with his soul and sought to please his Lord.

The Joy of Explaining and Clarifying the Word of God

As I reflect on my journey as a preacher, the joy of explaining and clarifying the Word of God fills me with an indescribable passion. I remember the first time I stood before a congregation, nervous yet excited, as I embarked on the sacred task of delivering God's message. The Scriptures came alive in my heart, and I realized I had been entrusted with a divine responsibility. The words of Jeremiah echoed in my mind: "But if I say, 'I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,' his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV). Preaching allows me to bring the transformative power of God's Word to life, shedding light on its profound truths and impacting the lives of those who listen.

Sharing the Goodness of God

The privilege of sharing the goodness, mercy, and grace of our Heavenly Father is a sacred gift that I treasure deeply. I recall moments when I witnessed individuals moved to tears or hearts filled with newfound hope as I shared the message of God's unconditional love. To be an instrument of His goodness is an honour that humbles me. Paul expressed it: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (1 Corinthians 1:17, NIV). Preaching allows me to convey the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, inviting others into a personal relationship with Him and experiencing the abundant goodness of our Heavenly Father.

Deepening My Understanding

As I embarked on this preaching journey, my understanding of God's Word has been deepened in ways I could never have imagined. Through the hours spent studying, reflecting, and praying, I have witnessed the Scriptures come alive with fresh insights and profound revelations. It is a continual process of growth and transformation, where the Word of God shapes my character, challenges my beliefs, and anchors me in faith. As I share these revelations with others, I am reminded of the psalmist's words: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130, NIV). Preaching becomes a personal growth journey, deepening my relationship with God and illuminating His truth in my life.

Encouraging and Exhorting Others

One of the most fulfilling aspects of preaching is the opportunity to encourage and exhort others on their spiritual journey. Standing before the congregation, I am acutely aware of the diverse struggles, doubts, and fears that individuals carry within their hearts. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I seek to be a vessel of God's love and encouragement, pointing others to His promises and reminding them of His faithfulness. Again, Paul reminds us, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). Preaching allows me to offer hope, comfort, and challenge to those who listen, nurturing their faith and spurring them towards a deeper relationship with God.

Feeling the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

One aspect of preaching that brings me immense joy is experiencing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus promised His disciples before ascending to heaven, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NIV). Preaching is not merely a display of eloquence or human wisdom but a supernatural endeavour guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

In the moments leading up to stepping onto the pulpit, I often rely on the Spirit's guidance and seek His anointing. As I yield myself to the Holy Spirit's leading, I experience a divine empowerment that transcends my abilities. The Spirit brings a fervour, boldness, and clarity to my words that I could never generate alone. It is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience to witness the Spirit at work, igniting hearts, convicting souls, and drawing individuals closer to God.

Paul wrote about his preaching, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, NIV). Preaching becomes a divine partnership, where I am merely an instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit, allowing His power to flow through me and touch the lives of those who hear. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit in preaching impacts the listeners and transforms me as a preacher. It deepens my dependence on God, strengthens my faith, and teaches me to surrender control to the leading of the Spirit. The Spirit's empowerment reminds me that it is not about my abilities or performance but about God working through me for His glory and the edification of His people.

Building Communion and Community

Preaching is not an isolated act but a catalyst for building communion and community among believers. It is a humbling experience to witness the body of Christ gathered together, united in worship and the pursuit of God's truth. Preaching becomes a powerful tool in fostering relationships, nurturing a sense of belonging, and creating an environment where individuals can grow together in their faith. As the writer of Hebrews exhorts, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV). Preaching becomes a sacred space where communion is strengthened, bonds are forged, and the power of community transforms lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my love for preaching runs deep, intertwining with my personal journey of faith. It is a calling that has transformed my life, ignited a fire, and instilled an unwavering passion for the Word of God. Through preaching, I have discovered the joy of explaining and clarifying His truth, sharing His goodness, deepening my understanding, encouraging and exhorting others, and building communion and community. As I continue on this path, I identify with Paul, who moans, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16, NIV). Preaching is not merely a duty; it is a response to the divine call to proclaim God's love, inviting others to experience the transformative power of His Word. May we all embrace our unique callings and boldly proclaim the truth, spreading God's love to a needy world.

Being of an age where there are more years behind than ahead, my prayer for “a good day to die” is to preach in the morning and fellowship with his people, spend time with my family in the afternoon and have a sumptuous dinner with them together in the evening, and for the Lord to call me painlessly in my sleep that night. "For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." - 2 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV).